ACC LACC LACC LACC L

YOUR BUILDINGS

YOUR CITY

Community MagazineCommunity MagazineCommunity MagazineCommunity Magazine

Issue 4 Spring 2009Issue 4 Spring 2009Issue 4 Spring 2009Issue 4 Spring 2009

YOUR PEOPLE

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Thank you to all those who submitted articles for this edition. Special thanks to the advertisers who have helped to make production of this magazine possible. We would like this magazine to be meaningful for you, if there is something you would like us to include please do get in touch. If you wish to discuss circulation, and or advertising, please get in touch. If you would like to contribute an article for future editions, please email me afca.org@btinternet.com or call 024 7622 3020

Front cover pictures : Your City: City Centre aerial view Your People: President Obama's’ Inauguration Celebration at the West Indian Centre Your Buildings: West Indian Centre, Spon Street African Caribbean Centre for Young People, Freehold Street

Disclaimer & Copyright The views expressed by magazine contributors, do not necessarily represent the views of ACCOL, Those articles written by third parties are the sole responsibility of the writers and the writer will take full responsibility, liability, and blame for any libel or litigation that results from something written. All trademarks, design rights, personality rights, copyrights, registered names, mottos, logos, used in this magazine are the property of their respective owners and have been reproduced in this magazine with their permission.

Nicholas- Farquharson

ADVERTISERS � Whitefriars Housing � The Herbert Art Gallery � West Midlands Fire Service � Henley College � Fostering & Adoption Service � National Blood Service � Flora Samuel

Pete Isiah Williams talks about his first involvement with a community Organisation (pg4) Find out more about Chris Christie, Community Education Worker and Treasurer, ACCOL (pg5) British Jobs for British Workers (pg 6) Coventry Black Boys Can new Project Co-ordinator (pg 8) Housing the elders (pg7) Sources of funding: Heritage Lottery & Heart England Community Foundation (Pg9 –10) Aiming for excellence—An interview with Simone Willis (pg13) Finding Success through apprenticeships (pg14) Thinking about fostering?(pg16) Alvins’ Army (pg19) Save a life—Give Blood (Pg17) Bill’s Cricket update (pg22) What’s happening (Pg23)

Inside this edition

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BELIEF.. PERSISTENCE.. CONSISTENCE AND PASSION

Throughout the 1970’s and early 80’s increasing numbers of first generation Black British/African Caribbean youth disillusioned with their life in Britain turned to the Rastafarian faith. Rastafarian emerged in Jamaica in the 1930’s and was despised by many of their parents, this inevitably lead to conflict. In Coventry a small group who were users or former users of The Holyhead Youth Centre formed their own organisation called “The Descendants of Africa”. The group despite opposition from established West Indian organisations developed a constitution and successfully raised moniey to fund their programme of activities. Many of the organisers of the group are now established in business, the voluntary sector and in local government. Pete (Isiah) Williams one of the founders of the group describes his early experiences, and the history of the organisation. (Introduction by Bill Hall)Introduction by Bill Hall)Introduction by Bill Hall)Introduction by Bill Hall)

In the mid 70s amid the blues parties, St Peters Church hall, Sidney Stringer School and The Holyhead were exposed to the heavy base line of the reggae music. The singers and toasters lyrics content related to slavery, South Africa and Nelson Mandela, human rights, peace love and unity. This is where school starts for me knowing about my history, identity, culture and issue that affected me as a young black man growing up in England. I left school with no qualifications but got a job in a factory where I worked for two years. After leaving home I moved into King Georges Avenue with a group of mostly dread locks youths studying the Ras Tafari way of life. As youths we rallied around the reggae music because it was the vehicle for the Rasta fari movement which spread the message. One of the slogans I remember was “ Organise and centralise” said by Marcus Garvey. Haile Selassie made a speech to the then League of Nation (United Nations)that Bob Marley made it into a song called” WAR” a combination of things that inspired and shaped my future. Belief passion persistence, love, a little knowledge, wisdom and understanding I have gained over the years. The Rastafari movement was the feeling black youth were feeling in the 70’s and early 80’s we wanted to keep our roots, although I was born in England my family were Jamaican a lot of my friends were born in the Caribbean islands. The Holyhead Youth Centre was a meeting place for young African Caribbean’s from the city where you would hear different stories of people leaving the Caribbean and

the life they left to come to England. The story that

inspired me was how young people organised and

protested for the use of an empty building in Lower

Holyhead Road the building I was sitting in! Paul

Stephenson was the African Caribbean Community

Relations Officer who was instrumental in securing the premises for the youth.

The Holyhead centre developed my some self-worth, a sense of belonging and community spirit something I was lacking in previous years. I saw examples in our community of people who were bright and had knowledge and a passion to voice our rights and I learnt what we could achieve by working together.

The Descendants of Africa (DOA) started with seven young people between 16-20 years old in 1980-81 meeting in flats in Hillfileds. The Holy-head centre had changed ownership by this time to the Youth Service from Community Relations and became a youth club with an age limit of 18 or 19 that left some of us on the outside. We met and negotiated with Coventry Race Relations and the City Council and it was not long before we had the use of the Holyhead youth club for our Saturdays activities that was open to a wider age group. Once we acquired a place to meet we practiced Rasta chanting, African dancing and studied black history. We went on to organise some well attended events, baked and sold bulla cakes and ital vegetable patties to raise funds. We developed our own African dance group with help from funding that assisted us in hiring some excellent tutors. This fulfilled some of our cultural, economical and spiritual needs as young African Caribbean people and gave us confidence in our ability to succeed.

Working in the voluntary sector with schools, churches, businesses, the city council and other organisations within the city and surrounding region gave me an insight to people, their outlook of life, beliefs, passions and issues that drove them to organise and work to achieve aims, visions and aspirations. I felt encouraged develop an understanding of procedures, policy papers and knowledge or how to make a difference for the collective. My involvement in various other organisations has enhanced my knowledge of how systems work, but things do not remain the same policies change people in position change and different people do things differently.

Fortunate for me I see so much talent, ability and skill within our community that is not recognised. Work is carried out with very little or no resources. Working within an organisation allows you to reach out to similar communities to reach our collective goal instead of going it alone. I was in search of my lost Identity, culture and

language I felt lost in an ignorant system that

instigated the slave trade. I felt the need to

organise and have a collective voice to address

the needs of like-minded young people. We all have a story to tell ....who feels it knows it the thing is that growing up I did.

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Chris Christie Community Education Worker Youth Service, Citywide African Caribbean Centre for Young People

Also Director/Treasurer of ACCOL

Born in Jamaica “not Kingston – me come from

country!” and educated mainly in Birmingham,

Chris has worked for many years as a Youth

Worker in what is still affectionately known as

‘The Holyhead’ youth Club which is now

based in Freehold Street.

What is your greatest achievement?

A work in progress!

Who influenced/inspired you to achieve what

you have?

I have always helped or supported others,

enabling them to achieve what they wanted.

No particular group or individual really; my

achievements have been mainly self motivated

with the need to survive and support myself via

legal means.

How easy/difficult have you found it to

reach your goal?

I believe I am still striving to reach my own

goal, but before I can do that earnestly I would

have to begin prioritising my needs over the

needs of others – some call this

being selfish.

What have been your main challenges &

obstacles?

People and their attitudes: take, take, and take

some more; big empty hands, and not a lot of

gratitude. We need to be more humble and

respectful to each other.

How have you overcome them?

It’s not about overcoming these issues but

about establishing coping strategies, as

challenges and obstacles will always occur. My

strategy is to recognise my ability and to value

myself as a person with some very useful skills

which I use to assist others.

What advice would you give to others?

Attain your own DEPTH of consciousness. If

you can recognise the following traits in your-

self - discipline, empathy, patience, tolerance,

Humour; you have the ability to be strong for

yourself and others – with the strength not to

take yourself too seriously.

What keeps you going?

Please tell me, so I can bottle it, sell it and

retire. So I can pursue that elusive goal I’ve

yet to identify, not to mention reach!

What are you hopes & aspirations for the

community?

That the African Caribbean should urgently

begin to recognise that it needs to change to

a more supportive organism. There are too

many of us wandering about in ‘I’ mode and

not enough of us gathering together in ‘WE’

mode. Just because opportunities and

services are at our fingertips does not mean

that as individuals our skills are enough to

take advantage. However as a larger

interest group our combined skill base would

provide us with unified ability.

What would you say to those who are not

involved or maybe thinking about becoming

involved in working/volunteering in a

community organisation?

Community work is not something to do if

you are looking for kudos and personal

Gratification. It can be very unrewarding and

at times pointless. Therefore, an optimistic

disposition will be required; and be prepared

for your own people to let you down regularly.

So, personal perseverance is a must – without

this you will not be able to muster the energy

required to battle through problems.

Give yourself a ‘well done’ comment regularly.

Others may not recognise that you too need

that little boost also.

That phrase ‘pride goes before a fall’ – when

in doubt ask – where no doubt exists do not

be pompous about your ability.

Where will we see you in 10 years time? Working on cartoon Animation Company

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In his speech at the Labour Party Conference back in September 2008 Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised to launch a drive to train thousands of unemployed workers for jobs currently being filled by immigrants flocking to Britain. He said "It is time to train British workers for the British jobs that will be available over the coming few years and to make sure that people who are inactive and unemployed are able to get the new jobs on offer in our country. His speech gave the impression those foreign workers somehow found it easier to obtain employment than British Workers. However statistics produced by the Research & Strategy Team at Coventry City Council show that foreign workers and the City’s ethnic communities are in many cases doing far worse than their white British peers when seeking to obtain employment. In Coventry 34% of those claiming Job Seekers Allowance are from the City’s various ethnic

communities. The %’s claiming JSA for each ethnic community are shown in the chart below.

It is also interesting to look at the ethnic origin of those classed as economically inactive. The definition of economically inactive is “those who are not looking for work”, and the main groups classed as economically inactive are those looking after the family and home, students, and those who are long-term sick or disabled. The chart shows the rates of economic in activity for the main ethnic groups in the City of working age.

The rate for ethnic groups is clearly higher than for white British. A number of factors are responsible for this:-

� Number of young people from ethnic communities in full time education � Higher % of single households � Cultural factors, i.e. women not encouraged to work � Higher incidence of long term illness both physical and mental

Both the high rates of unemployment and large numbers who are economically inactive have significant implications for the household income and life chances of people from these communities. The government is committed to getting people off benefits and into work and it is hoped that ethnicity is taken into consideration when programmes are developed.

Ethnic Origin Unemployment

Rate (%)

White - British 3.23 White - Irish 1.63 White - other 1.25 Mixed white & black Caribbean 7.73 Mixed white & black African 6.67 Mixed white & Asian 2.50 other mixed 6.43 Asian/Asian British Indian 2.37 Asian/Asian British Pakistani 3.72 Asian/Asian.British Bangladeshi 3.85 Asian/Asian. British other 4.21 Black/Black British Caribbean 6.74 Black/Black British African 7.09 Black/Black British other 12.50 Chinese 0.12 other ethnicity 10.65

All ethnic groups % Economically Inactive

British White / White 18.5

Indian 26.9

Pakistani / Bangladeshi 44.5

Black / Black British 41.8

Other 43.6

All ethnic groups 37.1

British Jobs for British WorkersBritish Jobs for British WorkersBritish Jobs for British WorkersBritish Jobs for British Workers

Adults of Working Age

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HOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSINGHOUSING

Modern black British families of Caribbean heritage have, more than any other black and minority ethnic group, bought into a British way of life. A "2.2 kids" family average, compared with 4.5 for the largest Asian communities, together with an individualistic attitude to health, wealth and prosperity and many interracial marriages, have all served to undermine what was once a culturally tight-knit community.

For young black people born in Britain the rates of intermarriage for both men and women are high: nearly 50% and 35% respectively, compared with a rate of just 7% and 6% for Indian men and women. National statistics for age distribution according to ethnic identity reveal that, next to white Irish, Black Caribbeans have the largest proportion of people aged 65 and over, at 11%. That's 62,000 of the 566,000 Britons living in the UK who categorised themselves as Black Caribbean at the last census count (2001). This reflects the first large-scale migration of non-

whites to Britain in the 1950s.

Llewellyn Graham, Chief Executive of the Birmingham-based Nehemiah Housing Association (NHA), specialising in black and minority ethnic (BME) care, says that what is happening to the UK Black Caribbean and Asian communities is what happened to the British mainstream community some years ago. The younger generation, with young families and more onerous work responsi-bilities, have not necessarily got the time to provide care. "Social services and local authorities used to say: 'We don't need to do anything for Asian and Caribbean people, they all look after themselves.' but suddenly it's all broken down".

It recognised that isolated black elders living on their own in high-rise blocks or council flats are simply dropping off the social services radar, unable or not wishing to access services that they felt did not cater for them.

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Coventry Black Boys Can new Project Co-ordinator

Seymour Cooper took up the post of Project Co-ordinator for Coventry Black Boys Can on 19 January 2009. We interviewed Seymour to find out more about the man in charge! Seymour was born in Gloucester and arrived in Coventry in August 1989.

WWWW hat is your greatest achievement to date?

Bringing up my two children to the best of my capability. Seymour is the proud father of two children; Shanice aged 13 who has ambitions to be a photographer. Darius aged 17 who wants to be a sports instructor or do something relating to sports.

In a work context his greatest achieve-ment was managing the Menswear department at Debenhams Oxford Street!. What was that like? Fantastic the tourist would tip silly money quite often we would earn more than our managers!

WWWW ho has inspired you?

My parents and the late Bishop Henry Barclay. When I left school I wanted to be a carpenter and the Bishop gave me a lot of encouragement as well as book, which I still have. I did actually do some training, however as an apprentice my first job was on a building site, but it was so cold I never went back!

HHHH ave you reached your goal?

No. Some accomplishments are easy, some are hard.

W hat would you say to encourage others in their attempt to reach

their goals? When you get setbacks still go for it, re-evaluate ‘never give up’, have the perse-verance and the determination to do what you want to do, not what others want you to do.

In common with 99.9% of the population I would think Seymour's main goal is to become a millionaire!

WWWW hat keeps you going?

Self motivation. I always analyse my week, what went wrong, what went well, what can I do better. I would feel I was not achieving anything if I was not doing something to make a difference, I want to leave a legacy for my children.

WWWW hat are you hopes and aspirations for the community?

There are so many different groups in Coventry I would like to see everyone come together and work as one community without the need for various groups, not just black groups but the whole community working together.

WWWW hat do you see yourself doing in 10 years time?

I still want to be involved in making a change for the community.

HHHH ave you ever considered politics?

No, it is on route to making a difference and I think it is important that black people should get involved, but at the moment it’s not the route I want to take.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2009BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2009BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2009BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2009 Meetings are taking place regularly to organise a programme of events for Black History Month. If you are interested in becoming involved in Black History Month 2009, have any ideas for events/activities or simply just want to be kept informed about what is happening then please contact: Wynn Anderson—coblex@btinternet.com or ACCOL on 024 7622 3020 email afca.org@btinternet.com If you have an idea for a project and you are looking for funding you might want to try Heritage Lottery, Bank House, 8 Cherry Street, Birmingham, B2 5AL, Telephone 0121 6166870 or Heart of England Foundation, Pinley House, Sunbeam Way, Coventry CV3 1DN, telephone 76884386.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was set up by Parliament in 1994 to give grants to a wide range of projects involving the local, regional and national heritage of the United Kingdom. They distribute a share of the money raised by the National Lottery for good causes. Heritage Lottery have a number of funds, but the one which would be most appropriate Your Heritage provides grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 to support projects that relate to the local, regional or national heritage of the UK. Applications that help people to learn about, look after and celebrate heritage in a fun and enjoyable way. Your Heritage is a rolling programme and there are no deadlines for applications. You will receive a decision on your application within 10 weeks. To apply for a grant under the Your Heritage programme you need a project that clearly focuses

on heritage. Heritage includes many different things from the past that we value and want to

pass on to future generations. These range from people’s memories and experiences (often

recorded as ‘oral history’ or spoken history); cultural traditions such as crafts and costumes;

historic buildings; collections of objects, books or documents in museums, libraries or archives

and places and objects linked to our industrial, maritime and transport history, such as coal

mines docks and railways.

We have three aims which relate to learning, conservation and participation.

To receive a grant your project must:

• help people to learn about their own and other people's heritage. Your project must also do either or both of the following.

• Conserve the UK's diverse heritage for present and future generations to experience and enjoy.

• Help more people, and a wider range of people, to take an active part in and make decisions about heritage.

For Black History Month 2009

HERITAGE LOTTERY

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The Heart of England Community Foundation is a well known funder in Coventry, Tina Costello, Assistant Director addressed a large audience at the West Indian Centre where attendees were informed about the process and the criteria for the Grassroots Fund. Grassroots Grants is funded through the Office of the Third Sector and its aim is to give grants to small voluntary and community groups to strengthen them. The fund aims to support local grassroots voluntary and community groups. Local charities and voluntary and community groups with an annual income of less than £30,000 per annum, taken as an average turnover for the last three financial years (or over the life of the group if it less than three years old) can apply. Grants can be made for a wide range of

purposes. � Capital equipment e.g. photocopier,

computer/digital projector/oven etc � Costs of staging an event or activity � Contribution to rent costs (related

to activities and proportionate to overall grant amount)

� Attending conferences or events to develop the capacity of the group

� Training for volunteers � Additional activities to expand an

existing funding project

Tina Costello, Assistant DirectorTina Costello, Assistant DirectorTina Costello, Assistant DirectorTina Costello, Assistant Director

City Council support for Community Associations

Following a review of their support for Community Associations Coventry City Council has set aside a pot of money to support Community Association particularly those that run community facilities. The allocation of money is part of a 10 year strategy for Community Associations responsible for community centres to be in a position to be financially secure and sustain-able within ten years. It is also for a peer support network to be developed which will provide continued community based

support to all community associations.

In order to be eligible for the funding Community Associa-tions have to demonstrate that they are committed to a number of criteria.

The West Indian Community As-sociation has met these criteria and has now received it’s grant of £10,000. The funding is welcomed by the Associations Trustees, who have managed to keep the association going over the past few years with small charitable grants and from income generated through room hire. However this has only be sufficient to contribute to the running costs of the centre and to keep the

Supplementary School running plus a few one off events, the association has not been able to put on much in the way of other community activities. Trustees are now considering a number of options for utilising the money. There is some essential expenditure on health and safety work that needs to happen.

There are plans for a wide reaching consultation amongst members and non members, users and non users of the cen-tre to gauge what direction they feel the centre should be head-ing in. This will inform the a revised business/action plan.

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AIMING FOR EXCELLENCEAIMING FOR EXCELLENCEAIMING FOR EXCELLENCEAIMING FOR EXCELLENCE A conversation with Simone Willis.

Simone is a bright, confident, intelligent and determined young lady who has one aim in life, to be the best at whatever she does!

Simone is a former Bablake pupil and attended both as a Junior & Senior school pupil. Simone left school in 2008 with 4 A Levels, 3 As and 1B in Chemistry, German, Music and General Studies. 11 GCSE A* in English Literature, English Language,

double Science Award, Latin, French, German, Music, History, ICT.

Simone is going onto to do a four year music degree at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, this is specialist music College, there are only about nine in the country.

When asked what made her want to study music, her response was “Music makes me happy. I’ve played the violin since I was six I also play flute and piano”. There seems to be no end to this young ladies musical talents...

For the past five years she has attended the Birmingham junior conservatoire for every Saturday. She has lessons in violin, jazz piano, symphony orchestra, chamber, string quarter, clarinet and theory. She is also a member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Youth Orchestra and was in the Coventry Youth Orchestra for 6 years.

Last summer Simone achieved a Grade 8 Violin with distinction (the highest grade before progressing onto Diploma), Grade 6 in piano and will be doing a Violin Diploma this summer. In September she will be running a string group at Bablake Junior School.

Tell me about some of the places you have performed?

Played in Symphony Hall, Warwick Arts Centre and Birmingham Town Hall, also did a recording session recently.

My name is Anthony Weir and I am a firefighter serving at Perry Barr Fire Station on Blue Watch in the heart of the West

Midlands.

At school I enjoyed science and sports but didnt grasp the opportunities available to me, as I knew I was going into the family business. I spent several years in the car trade and also spent time teaching a car maintenance course. Yet, I always had a fascination for the Fire Service and as the years rolled past I would often wonder how and where I could access information about the Fire Service. My opportunity came whilst at an event where they were recruiting for firefighters. I was aged 36 years and was pleased to be told that there was no upper age limit for firefighters. From there, I decided to enrol on a pre-recruitment access course at Wolverhampton College to gain a proper insight into the Fire Service and to make sure I was prepared for the recruitment process. This gave me the drive, determination and confidence that had lain dormant within me for all these years and I applied to join the West Midlands Fire Ser-vice. I was successful and earned a well-deserved place at the training centre for my initial 13 weeks training. After leaving the training centre and being operational for several months I realised the true meaning of the profession. You belong to an organisation that is diverse, exciting and respected worldwide. It is a disciplined service that provides the most valuable service to the community - saving life and protecting the community. I cannot think of anything more rewarding and fulfilling. With this in mind I encouraged my brother to join and he is also now a serving firefighter for West Midlands Fire Service. I have also worked in Recruitment, going out into the community to encourage other people to con-sider a career as a Firefighter. No matter what colour, background, age or gender you are, this profession is a career for life and its an opportunity waiting for anyone who wants to grasp it. This is the best job in the world!

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Finding success Finding success Finding success Finding success

through through through through

ApprenticeshipsApprenticeshipsApprenticeshipsApprenticeships

Siobhan Ramsay 21, works at National Grid in Warwick. She is in her second year as an Accounting apprentice and attends Henley College Coventry one day a week as part of her training. Siobhan left school after completing her GCSEs but was-n’t sure of the career she wanted to pursue. Soon after, she enrolled on a business course at Henley College she realised that she wanted to specialise in accountancy so after getting career advice, she was given the option of becom-ing an

accounting apprentice. “In the business course I really enjoyed working with numbers so accountancy seemed a natural choice for me and an apprenticeship offered a direct route to the profession.” In 2007, she enrolled on the Level 2 Apprenticeship which she successfully completed in 2008 and immediately embarked on the Level 3. During this time her employers have been so impressed with her commitment and performance that they have recently promoted her. “The Apprenticeship definitely gave me an upper hand when being considered for the new job and I feel really lucky to have got it. I now have more responsibility and I am enjoying it.” Paul Taylor is an accounting lecturer at Henley College and is full of praise for the youngster:

“Siobhan has shown real determination to succeed and is working her way up. I am glad that her employers have recognised what a brilliant employee they have by promoting her , and I am sure she will have a successful career in accounting.” Siobhan is planning to complete the apprenticeship at the highest level and become a fully qualified chartered accountant running her own accountancy firm. “The Apprenticeship has really given me a head start and I would encourage anybody who wants to have a bit of both worlds (employment and education) at the same time to give it a go.” To find out more about Apprenticeships available at Henley College Coventry, ring 024 766 26306 or email info@henley-cov.ac.uk

“Ideally I would like to be as good as Jascha Heifetz, he was a violinist who was amazing”. Heifetz was known for his flawless technical style. Asked about hobbies, Simone at first said music, as she practices her violin 4 hours a day, but then she went onto to say that she goes to Salsa 3 times per week, enjoys baking biscuits, is starting a photography course in April. “I like taking pictures and it will be useful for when travelling, I’ll be able to take better pictures”. Simone is currently on a gap year and is planning to go travelling around Europe for

2 months during the summer visiting Germany France, Spain, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. Where will we see Simone in 5 years time? Doing a post graduate degree abroad. What do you feel has made you so successful? “Opportunity, hard work and my parents”. If you were not doing music what would you do? Chemistry.

Simone and her friends from the Conservatoire have formed a flute quartet they play at weddings and other special occasions.

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Thinking about fostering?

A significant number of Coventry children in foster care are of dual heritage or from African and Black Caribbean families. At the moment there aren't enough foster carers from similar backgrounds to support these children and help them develop a positive self image. In particular there is a shortage of foster carers for African Muslim children.

Coventry Fostering Service would like to encourage people from across the black community to consider fostering. Lynne Thomas, Recruitment Team Manager, answers some common questions.

What does fostering involve? Fostering is a way of providing family life for children while they cannot live with their own parents. It is often used to provide temporary care while a child's parents get help sorting out problems or when family relationships have broken down. It can also help children or young people through a difficult time in their lives.

Fostering is not a job like childminding where the child goes home to their parents at the end of the day. It is something which involves every-one in your household.

Foster children live with you in your home for a

number of weeks, months or even years, depending on their needs.

Can foster children share a bedroom with my children? A foster child will need their own bedroom unless they are sharing with their own brothers or sisters. Unfortunately this means that we can only take on people who have a spare bedroom for fostering

Do I get paid? Foster carers are paid a weekly fee per house-hold while they are fostering a child or young person. In addition, an allowance is paid to cover the cost of caring for the child or young person, depending on his/her age. This is to pay for expenses like electricity and gas, food and clothing.

Is there a right time to think about fostering? It is important that you are emotionally mature and at a stable point in your relationship and home life so that you can provide the support that foster children need. You also need to be active and fit enough to keep up with lively children.

If you are interested in fostering, please call the Recruitment Team on 024 7678 5577 or visit www.coventry.gov.uk/fostering

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IT’S TIME TO BE A V I PIT’S TIME TO BE A V I PIT’S TIME TO BE A V I PIT’S TIME TO BE A V I P With all the credit crunch doom and gloom, it’s getting difficult to be as generous as we would like. There is one thing however, that you do not have to take off your shopping list and that’s giving the ultimate gift of life - giving blood. By giving up just one hour of your day and making that donation you could save up to three lives (don’t worry the actual blood donating is only 5-10 minutes), so you’re not just giving one gift but three and the best thing is it does not cost a penny!!

Every day blood donations save the lives of babies, mothers in childbirth and people having operations or suffering from medical conditions.

It is crucial that we all have access to our own, inherited blood type. Specific blood groups are more common amongst black Africans and Caribbeans, and medical conditions such as patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia require regular transfusions. Under 1% of blood donations in the UK are given by people of black African or Caribbean origin. That is why we need you to be a VIP in your community and give blood. If one of your friends or relatives ever needs blood to save their life, that life saver could be you. And one day, the person needing blood could be you.

Sickle-cell recipient Nadine Simpson from Birmingham had to have blood transfusions every six weeks to treat her Sickle Cell Anaemia and tells her story:-

“I have finished my transfusion programme but still require occasional blood transfusions, so blood has and probably

always will be, important to me. I Graduated from university after 3 years of study - some thing I don’t think I could have done without the generosity of blood donors, on receiving my last bag of blood I went travelling Round the world. The blood certainly kept me going and was a real safety net for me during my travels.”

Blood donors not only save lives but also help many others to live normal lives.

Why don’t you start doing something amazing?

Anyone aged between 17 and 65, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12 lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives and giving that ultimate gift by becoming a blood donor. If you would like to find out more about becoming a blood donor please complete the form and send it FREEPOST to the address stated. If you are in Birmingham city centre you could even call us on 0121 253 8220 to make an appointment to donate at our Birmingham Donor Centre, 65 New Street, B2 4DU. Alternatively please call us on 0845 7 711 711 or visit us at www.blood.co.uk.

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Hi my name is Flora Samuel, I have been involved in Natural Health and well-being for some years now, having previously had a Career in Nursing. I enjoy being in the Business of helping people to improve their Quality of Life. My latest venture is a brand new product that has recently been introduced to the United Kingdom called Xocai Healthy Chocolate. Xocai the Healthy Chocolate Revolution This unique product is made from raw unprocessed Cacao and Acai Berries packed full of Natural Antioxidants. Due to our Western Lifestyle the foods we eat often lack vital nutrients to maintain optimal health. Many of today's medical conditions are caused by inflammation and oxida-tion which takes place in the Body. This new amazing health product taken daily can help to reduce this damage. For more Information on this unique product and how to start your own home based business. Contact: Flora Samuel on 07890628567 or e-mail Xocaichocs@yahoo.co.uk

Did you know that the amount of antioxidants you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long and healthy you will live?

The Healthy Chocolate

Tiger Woods returns

with stunning comeback victory Yes, Tiger has returned. In another incredible chapter to his legacy, Tiger Woods came back from a five-shot deficit, to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf Club in Orlando. It was a riveting end which confirms Tiger as one of the world's greatest athletes, winning for the first time since reconstructive knee surgery last June, following his U.S. Open triumph. There was a time when one wondered if we would ever see the same Tiger Woods we remembered. After all, he is older, now 33, the father of two, and recovering from a knee injury….. but no more! The next few months, and years, will be about, figuring out exactly where Tiger ranks on golf's all-time hierar-chy. It no longer appears as if the knee will keep him from resuming his chase of Jack Nicklaus and his record 18 majors. Woods is currently at 14. What might be even more remarkable is the way Woods is dominating tournaments outside of the majors. Going back to the end of 2007, Woods has won 10 of his past 15 PGA events. He has finished second in two others.

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The Active Meadowlands sports project in Radford Diamond, scooped a top award at the prestigious BBC Midlands Sports Awards in December 2008. The project received the BBC Power of Sport Award at a ceremony which took place at the National Motor-cycle Museum near Solihull on Sunday 7th December 2008, where sporting stars and sports projects were recognised and honoured for their achievements. The project is run by local young people and Ground-work Coventry & Warwick-shire, led by Alvin Scott, Sports Development Manager at Groundwork.

Alvin worked in the Sports Development Department of Coventry City Council where he was mentored by another of Coventry’s sporting stars, Clyde McIntosh. In September 2005 he started working with Ground-work in Radford. Upon receiving the Award, Alvin said, “I am absolutely thrilled that the project has received this kind of recognition. So many local people have helped to make the Active Meadowlands project a suc-cess and it is great to see local young people now lead-ing sports sessions at the site.” Alvin gets great satisfaction from seeing young people grow in skill and confidence. “It’s nice when you see young people in town and they say “do you remember me.....I'm now doing …” When asked what made him get into working with young people, Alvin recalled that when he used to play basketball in Birmingham they had to go into schools, he really enjoyed this and got on well with young peo-ple. He feels it is a powerful position to be in to be able to get young people turned onto to sport. Organisations' do not value the influence that sport can have not only for young but for communities.

“My job is becoming a desk job, but I’m fighting hard to

continue to deliver. I don’t think I could be in a job that

was just pen pushing I’m definitely a people person I

like to talk”. Alvin understands that everyone no matter

what economic background they are from everyone

should have an equal opportunity to participate in

sports.

As well as the Meadowlands Project, Alvin also manages the new Sporting Chances. Which is a Coventry based programme funded by “V”, the youth volunteering charity. It seeks to offer young people aged 16-25 years the opportunity to volunteer their time to run sports and physical activity sessions in nine neighbourhoods within the city. These are: Foleshill, Radford and Barras Heath in year one and Spon End, Bell Green, Edgwick/Paradise, Willenhall, Hillfields and Stoke Aldermoor in years two and three. Volunteering opportunities in-clude helping to set up and run local football tourna-ments, delivering sports sessions within local schools and maintaining equipment. Those young people volunteering for a number of months will also get the opportunity to access free training such as sports coaching and officiating awards as well as learning about First Aid and youth work skills.

Any young person living in the City and interested in getting involved should contact: Alvin Scott, Sporting Chances Manager on 01676 524320.

Born and bred in Walsall, Alvin moved to Coventry in 1996. A former England Basketball player, he has also played for Coventry Crusaders basketball and continues to coach with them.

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Most little boys dream of becoming a professional footballer, but how many actually make it?

Nicholas Farquharson began his career at the Crewe Alexandra academy, well known for its production of strikers. He progressed through the academy ranks and was named as Crewe's Under-18s captain for their 2006-07 campaign which saw the team progress well in their FA Youth Cup. Follow-ing a brief spell at Witton Albion during the final third of the 06–07 season, which saw Nick score two goals in seven games, the young Coventrian was awarded a professional contract at Crewe. The following season Nick made his professional debut for the club in their Football League Trophy exit to Chester City.

Here is his story.... “I started off playing when I was a youth, I got scouted through a team (Crew Alexandra) and it went on from there. I then went on loan to a couple of teams: Northwich Victoria, Nuneaton, Nuneaton Borough, and Nantwich Town. My parents used to take me back and forth too Crew, back in the day there was lots of travelling to and from games on a Saturday and Sunday morning.

I had to go straight to training from school and I wasn’t getting home until half eleven sometimes midnight and then up for school the next morning, but I still managed to get eleven GCSEs — three A’s four B’s and four C’s.

I enjoyed being away from home you learn a lot about yourself. Moving away was defi-nitely what I needed, because it’s made me who I am today.

Typical days training.... we’d come in at 9.30 and then go through the previous game from say Saturday—probably get some weights in, swimming, do some football training, some running and then go in for lunch and go back out again for the second part of the day -it’s very physical. On the pitch it doesn’t matter what you are, it doesn’t matter at all, as long as you can

play the sport and give it your all. It’s all about getting the ball in the back of the net at the end of the day and doing it with your team mates, no matter what he looks like, where he’s from or what colour he is. Other aspiring footballers—keep your head down, anything is possible if you want anything bad enough. Just keep working at it and you’ll get it.”

You may know Nicholas’s proud mother Sonia Tennant, one of the Directors of Fresh Enterprise.

Joshua Gowling, another successful Coventry born Footballer. Josh, now 25, attended Woodway Park School he originally wanted to be a runner, but on the day of the trials they were cancelled so he went to the football trials instead, this proved to be very fortuitous as the scout from West Bromwich was there and Josh was signed up for West Brom at the age of 14. “I was a late comer, some of the other guys had been at the Club since the age of 10 at first it was a difficult transition from Sunday league to playing for a team where everyone is fight-ing for a place, it’s more pressure and serious, but I enjoyed it nonetheless”. I got a scholarship at the age of 15 so when I left school at sixteen I went to live in digs in West Brom. I left when I was 19 which was obviously a bit heart-breaking for me because I came through the ranks and it looked like I was going to feature in the first team when I got a bit older. But the team did not need a centre half. " " Then it was lucky because one of the board members at West Brom, owned a club out in

Denmark (Herfølge) so I went out there on trial I was there for the two years, after which I went

onto another Danish Club Olske then with the West Brom connection again, my old coach who was Assistant Manager at Bournemouth got me to go to Bournemouth when I came back. Then I've just been playing for Bournemouth ever since. In Summer 2008 Josh signed for Carlisle, but at the time there were 7 or 8 other teams that were interested .

COVENTRY’S SPORTING STARSCOVENTRY’S SPORTING STARSCOVENTRY’S SPORTING STARSCOVENTRY’S SPORTING STARS

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at county level. I am hoping to encourage children to get involved in sport from a young age by coaching children aged 4-14 at both King Henry VIII Preparatory School and King Henry VIII Secondary School.

I currently hold the award for young coach of the year in Coventry and Warwickshire and I am also lucky enough to be one of 14 people in the country to currently be on a coaching scholarship from the Youth Sport Trust.

Me and my mom and dad when I won young coach of the year

My coaches and mentors have had a big influence on my progress in the world of coaching helping me to seize every opportunity including a coaching weekend and a workshop with the England Coach. In my opinion it is easy for anybody to call themselves a coach but it takes that extra bit of determination and self motivation to be successful and that is what is difficult.

It is definitely an enjoyable experience to see your advice and expertise put to good use by others and I would recommend coaching to anyone who either feels they have something to pass on or want to help others. Not only could you help people within that particular sport but you can also encourage people to get active and participate in sport.

In 5-10 years time I see myself having, hopefully, graduated from university and be a practising sports therapist as well as a coach at the highest level. I am fully confident that I will still be enjoying passing on my skills and experience and seeing others benefit. With a bit of luck, I will inspire many others as my coaches inspired me. Danette Matthews 17, Coundon Court School, Coventry

I have had a few injuries which have set me back otherwise I think I would have been at a higher level.

Where will we see you in 5/10 years time? I would like to be an established centre half playing in the Championship.

Is there any particularly team that you would like to be playing for? “Well I’m a big Liverpool fan, so that would be amazing”.

Who has inspired you?

It may sound a bit corny but my Mum. When I was young she used to have 2 jobs as well as going to university. She has always been there for me through the good times and the bad.

My greatest achievement outside of foot-ball was working with disabled children in Bournemouth I built up a good relationship with them.

What is our message for other budding footballers?

People think that football is glamorous, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. When I was younger and my friends would go out and stay out late, I was always at home resting/preparing. But there is nothing like playing in front of 25 thousand people ! There are lots of ups and downs and lots of politics but it is something amazing that you are involved in!

Danette Matthews, Netball Coach

As my dad is a netball coach I have been in and around the world of netball since birth. Around the age of 12, I began to admire my netball coaches and the way they seemed to be able to inspire me and my team mates to succeed. This inspired me to begin coaching and 5 years on I have progressed further than I ever could have imagined. Currently I am coaching both juniors and seniors at Henley netball club, two under 14 groups

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Cricket LatestCricket LatestCricket LatestCricket Latest

Following the euphoria of the Stanford 20/20 victory, the West Indies came back to earth with something of a bump. Fol-lowing the victory over England in the competition, West Indies faced Pakistan in a 3 match ODI series held in Abu Dhabi. The venue was hastily arranged, because of fears of potential violence in Pakistan. Unfortu-nately, the West Indies lost the series 3-0. In sparkling form for the Windies were Chris Gayle who scored two hundred the ever dependable Shiv Chanderpaul who scored one hundred and Ronnie Sarwan who averaged over 50 in his three visits to the crease. Unfortunately none of the younger players selected for the tour made any impression. No one in the bowling attack distinguished themselves, and possibly the most notable statistic was the appearance of 24 year old Lionel Baker, who became the first cricketer from Montserrat to represent the West Indies.

Closely following the series in Abu Dhabi, The team moved on to New Zealand where they played two Test Matches, two 20/20 internationals and five one day internationals. The test matches were both drawn, and the highlights for the West Indians were a maiden test hundred for Jerome Taylor, A magnificent hundred for Chris Gayle in the second match falling only three runs short of a double hundred and another fine series for the Number One in the world batting lists Shiv Chanderpaul who averaged 101 in his three innings. Other achievements were the consistency of Australian born Brendan Nash who averaged 54 in his three innings, and the bowling of Fidel Edwards who produced a career best seven

wicket haul in the second match.

The 20/20 matches were drawn, one each, with the first being decided on sudden death with each side receiving six balls. Fortunately Chris Gayle took a liking for the left arm spin of New Zealand Captain Daniel Vettori to carry West Indies home. The one day internationals were closely fought, and often played on cold grey days. Three of the matches were rain affected with New Zealand winning the final match to clinch the series 2-1 Quickly following the tour to New Zealand, West Indies played hosts to England in a four match series to be followed by two tests in England in May. The English press saw this as a stroll leading up to the Ashes, and many cricket writers were predicting a whitewash for the England team. The first three days of the open-ing match in Jamaica were evenly contested with the West Indies leading by 74 runs on the first innings. The next 31overs were unbelievable with the West Indies bowling out England for a meagre 51 Jerome Taylor taking five wickets at the miserly cost of 11 runs, and Suliman Benn claim-ing four wickets for 33 runs. The second test was scheduled to take place at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua, but had to be abandoned because the ground particularly the bowlers run ups which were said to resemble a beach. The match was hastily rearranged at the Antigua Recreation ground the scene of Brian Lara’s two world records. The match was drawn with Darren Powell & Fidel Edwards hanging on grimly in a last wicket partnership. The third test in Barbados, was also drawn with Ramnaresh

Sarwan scoring a Mammoth 291 and Denesh Ramdin hitting a maiden test hundred. Finally on to Trinidad for the final test, and the West Indies tail again held out for a draw following an over cautious declaration for the second time in the series by England Captain Andrew Strauss. Stars for the West indies were the ever dependable Shiv Chanderpaul with an unbeaten 147, a maiden century by Brendan Nash and a hundred by Chris Gayle who had to retire when tearing a muscle while going for a quick single to complete his hundred. The series held many positives for the West Indies, the magnifi-cent batting of Ramnaresh Sarwan who averaged over 100 for the series. The consistency of Chris Gayle, whose promotion to captain has brought about a new maturity to his batting. The emergence of Brendan Nash as a consistent performer in the number 6 position. The improved form of Denesh Ramdin both behind the stumps and as a batsman. The dependability of Shiv Chanderpaul, despite a slow start to the series. The bowling of Jerome Taylor and Fidel Edwards who after the first test bowled magnificently without luck. Also on occasions the bowling of Suliman Benn. While the press felt that England should have won the series 2-1, they do not add that in all the matches England batted first and in the best of the conditions. This stretched the West Indies unbeaten run to seven tests, and was the first time that West Indies have beaten England in a series since 1998.

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What’s happening

Caribbean Island with independence dates in the next couple of months:

26 May - Guyana Independence Gained independence from Britain in 1966 10 July - The Bahamas Independence Gained independence from Britain in 1973

6 August - Jamaica Independence Gained independence from Britain in 1962

31 August - Trinidad Independence Gained independence from Britain in 1962

20 June 2009, 6.30pm Reading Competition - Black Boys Can Father & Son reading competition 3 age categories: 8-10, 11-13 and 14 plus

Black Boys Can Summer School—2 to 15 August 2009 for 8-14 year old boys and girls!girls!girls!girls!

For further details contact: Seymour 07897533511 For further details contact: Seymour 07897533511 For further details contact: Seymour 07897533511 For further details contact: Seymour 07897533511 or email seymour@coventryblackboyscan.co.ukor email seymour@coventryblackboyscan.co.ukor email seymour@coventryblackboyscan.co.ukor email seymour@coventryblackboyscan.co.uk

Restaurant now open at the West Indian Centre Friday—Sunday from 12noon ‘til late

Coventry Caribbean Festival-

25 July 2009 .....at the Memorial Park

Godiva Festival takes places on 4 July 2009 There will be opportunities across the city to take part in workshops if you fancy making your own costume and wearing it in the procession to the Memorial Park. Workshops will be taking place at the West Indian Centre, if you are interested in getting involved then please contact Angela for further details 07956511921

Contact us at:

African Caribbean Community Organisation Ltd c/o Coventry West Indian Centre

159 Spon Strteet Coventry CV1 3BB

T: 024 7622 3020 M: 079 0386 8802

Email: afca.org@btinternet.com

Website: www.accol.org