Asian Express Yorkshire - May 1st Edition 2015

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CLEAN SWEEP: The Conservatives' victory means they will be able to govern without the need for a coalition or a formal agreement with other parties

Asian

Express

Yorkshire

MAY 1ST EDITION 2015

INSIDE THIS EDITION

See pages 65 & 66

SALLU IN TROUBLE Indian court suspends Salman Khan’s jail term

“We can make Great Britain greater” Epic victory

See page 4

CITY FAN TO SING AT WEMBLEY Bantams supporter to perform in front of 90,000 fans on cup final day

David Cameron to serve second term as Britain’s Prime Minister in prodigious triumph The Tory leader has promised to lead a government for ‘one nation’ and make ‘Great Britain In a stunning election greater’ as he returned to victory, and after Downing Street as prime confounding poll predictions minister. of a ‘hung parliament’, David Cameron promises that his Continued on leadership’s manifesto is for the working people of Great page 2 & 3 Britain.

By Anush Ansari

anush@asianexpress.co.uk

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May 2015 - 1st Edition

Epic victory

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VISIT: In February this year David Cameron visited the Asian Express Newspaper offices in Leeds and reiterated his commitment to work with Asian communities and businesses

David Cameron to serve second term as Britain’s Prime Minister in prodigious triumph

Prime Minister’s Statement I’ve just been to see Her Majesty the Queen, and I will now form a majority Conservative government. I’ve been proud to lead the first coalition government in 70 years, and I want to thank all those who worked so hard to make it a success. And in particular on this day, Nick Clegg. Elections can be bruising clashes of ideas and arguments, and a lot of people who believe profoundly in public service have seen that service cut short. Ed Miliband rang me this morning to wish me luck with the new government. It was a typically generous gesture from someone who is clearly in public service for all the right reasons. The government I led did important work. It laid the foundations for a better future, and now we must build on them. I truly believe we’re on the brink of something special in our country. We can make Britain a place where a good life is in reach for everyone who is willing to work and do the right thing.

Our manifesto is a manifesto for working people and as a majority government, we will be able to deliver all of it. Indeed it is the reason why I think majority government is more accountable. 3 million apprenticeships. More help with childcare. Helping 30 million people cope with the cost of living by cutting their taxes. Building homes that people are able to buy and own. Creating millions more jobs that give people the chance of a better future. And yes, we will deliver that in out referendum on our future in Europe. As we conduct this vital work we must ensure that we bring our country together. As I said in the small hours of this morning, we will govern as a party of one nation. One United Kingdom. That means ensuring this recovery reaches all parts of our country, from north to south, from east to west, and indeed it means rebalancing our economy. Building that northern powerhouse. It means giving everyone in our country a chance, so no matter where you’re from, you have the opportunity to make

the most of your life. It means giving the poorest people the chance of training, a job and hope for the future. It means that for children who don’t get the best start in life, there must be the nursery education and good schooling that can transform their life chances, and of course it means bringing together the different nations of our United Kingdom. I have always believed in governing with respect. That is why in the last parliament we devolved power to Scotland and Wales and gave the people of Scotland a referendum on whether to stay inside the United Kingdom. In this parliament, I will stay true to my word and implement as fast as I can the devolution that all parties agreed for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Governing with respect means recognising that the different nations of our United Kingdom have their own governments as well as the United Kingdom government. Both are important. And indeed, with our plans, the governments of these nations will


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“We can make Great Britain greater” Cover story continued Cameron defied poll predictions that the vote would be the closest in decades to sweep into office for another five years with a clear majority and his Labour opponents in tatters. The sterling currency, bonds and shares surged on a result that reversed near-universal expectations of an inconclusive ‘hung parliament’, in which Cameron would have had to jockey for power with Labour rival Ed Miliband. Instead, he met the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Friday 8th May to accept a mandate to form the first majority Conservative government since John Major's surprise victory in 1992. This years election has proved to be a historic and monumental one Cameron's rivals Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage have all resigned after bitter election disappointment. The Conservative leader is now beginning the process of putting together the new government, with senior Cabinet appointments expected to be announced soon. Cameron said he would reach out to all parts of the UK and strive to ‘bring the country together’ in the wake of the SNP's election landslide

in Scotland - where it won 56 of the 59 seats. Cameron said he had spoken to both Miliband and Clegg, paying tribute to the latter's contribution to the coalition government over the past five years.

surpassed even his party's most optimistic projections. “This is the sweetest victory of all,” Cameron told enthusiastic supporters at party headquarters. “The real reason to celebrate tonight, the real reason to be proud,

failed to connect with working class voters or convince the public he could be trusted with the world's fifth largest economy. He phoned Cameron to concede and then resigned as party leader.

“The real reason to celebrate tonight, the real reason to be proud, the real reason to be excited is we are going to get the opportunity to serve our country again.” Despite the unexpectedly decisive outcome, longer-term uncertainty looms over whether Britain will stay in the European Union - and even hold together as a country. Secessionists swept the board in Scotland, and Cameron repeated a promise to hold a referendum on membership in the EU. The scale of Cameron's victory

the real reason to be excited is we are going to get the opportunity to serve our country again.” Cameron's pitch to voters was that he had rescued Britain from economic crisis to deliver the fastest growth among major economies. He had warned that Labour's Miliband

on Friday 8th May 2015 become more powerful with wider responsibilities. In Scotland, our plans are to create the strongest devolved government anywhere in the world with

would cripple the United Kingdom by giving Scottish nationalists the keys to England's treasure. Miliband, a self-confessed socialist ‘geek’, had argued that the recovery was benefiting the rich and most people were still worse off. But he

important powers over taxation. And no constitutional settlement will be complete if it did not offer, also, fairness to England. When I stood here five years ago, our country was in the grip of an economic crisis. Five years on, Britain is so much stronger. But the real opportunities lie ahead. Everything I've seen over the last five years, and indeed during this election campaign, has proved once again that this is a country with unrivalled skills and creativeness. A country with such good humour and such great

compassion. And I'm convinced that if we draw on all of this then we can take these islands, with our proud history, and build an even prouder future. Together we can make Great Britain's greater still.

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EXCITED: Anwar Musa will be heading to Wembley Stadium as part of a football fan choir to perform ‘Abide With Me’ prior to the FA Cup final

City fan to sing at Wembley

BRADFORD: Anwar will be the Bantams’ representative alongside 63 other fans from clubs which reached the FA Cup third round this season

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

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Bradford City may have missed out on their Wembley dream this season yet one Bantams super-fan will still be present at the FA Cup final, as he sings on the pitch before kick-off. 52-year-old Anwar Musa from Laisterdyke, has been a City supporter ever since he arrived in England in 1968 from his home in Kenya. A season ticket holder, he has seen good and bad days at the West Yorkshire club, and was in the Main Stand at Valley Parade when the fire disaster killed 56 supporters in 1985. Last month he won the chance to sing on the hallowed Wembley pitch prior to the Arsenal and Aston Villa cup final, on Saturday 30th May, after winning a Songs of Praise competition. Describing the occasion as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity, Anwar says he has been warming up his vocal chords ahead of the big day. “I have been to Wembley before as a fan to watch Bradford and every time we have been, we have sat high up in the stands,” he said. “To be on the pitch this year as part of the football league choir will be brilliant. It is something my grandchildren can even look back on in the future and say my granddad was on that pitch.” Anwar was chosen as the Bradford City representative for the pre-match entertainment and will help make up the 64-strong choir which will perform ‘Abide With Me’ prior to kick off. One fan was chosen from each of the 64 clubs that reached the

Bantams supporter to perform in front of 90,000 fans on cup final day third round of this season’s FA Cup competition with more than 1,400 fans applying for their spot. Anwar says it came as a shock to hear he had been successful in his application and remembers how he first fell in love with English football. “It was the FA Cup final in 1972 between Arsenal and Leeds that really got me hooked and at that time everybody supported the big teams,” he said. “As I lived in Bradford, it was City who got my support and we would go down to the game every matchday and cheer them on. “Unlike today, my friend and I were some of the only Asian faces in the crowd and we stuck out like a sore thumb.

“I have seen the ups and downs of this club and I think we are now in a place where we can really grow and push on into the Championship and then who knows.” He added that this year’s FA Cup final held special significance due to its timing with the landmark anniversary of the fire disaster. “The final will be held just a few weeks after the 30th year anniversary of the Valley Parade fire so for me to be representing the club at Wembley is a real honour,” he said. “I hope I can help take the spirit of those 56 fans with me to Wembley and show how great this club really is.”


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Shah IN,

May 2015 - 1st Edition CONTEST: Labour’s Naz Shah has now replaced Respect’s George Galloway as the Member of Parliament for Bradford West following a landslide victory

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Landslide victory in Bradford West as electionfever sweeps nation By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

A Conservative Government may be leading the UK for the next five years, yet in Bradford West, it is all about Labour as Naz Shah pulled off an amazing landslide victory to send George Galloway out of office. 19,977 votes for Shah in the constituency ensured she romped to victory - more than 10,000 votes ahead of her competing Respect candidate (8,557 votes). It had been one of the most hotly contested seats in the UK prior to the polling stations opening on Thursday morning, with every weapon each politician had, being used in the build up. Shah, who was only elected to stand as the party representative in March following the resignation of a fellow candidate, was tipped to push the opposition close but few expected such a one-sided decision – even after a recount was ordered. Writing on her Twitter account after the results, she said: “Feeling totally honoured and humbled to be elected as MP for Bradford West. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, the real work begins now.” Meanwhile, what a difference three years makes for Galloway, who, following his 2012 by-election victory, was hailed the saviour of Bradford West gaining more than 50 per cent of the votes. He remained straight-faced as the 2015 results were read out in the early hours of Friday morning, hearing his lowly figure before Shah’s which all but guaranteed his exit from office. Even before the results were announced, Galloway had already found himself in the news after tweeting the results of his own party’s exit poll before voting ended– a move prohibited by law. Speaking after the defeat, he quite fittingly uttered a colourful response, and said he is ready for his next campaign. “I don’t begrudge the Labour members here their moment of celebration of course,” he said. “But there will be others who are already celebrating: the venal, the vile, the racists and the Zionists will all be celebrating. The hyena can bounce on the lion’s grave but it can never be a lion and in any case, I’m not in my grave. As a matter of fact I’m going off now to plan the next campaign.” Elsewhere across Bradford, Labour was also celebrating in the other two constituencies as the colour red swept across the city. In Bradford East, Imran Hussain gained a seat from the Liberal Democrats’ David Ward, picking up more than 46 per cent of the votes, whilst Judith Cummins comfortably held her position of power in Bradford South. Ward had held his seat for the previous five years yet, much like his Lib Dem colleagues across the nation, was forced to relinquish his position with only eight Liberal party members now holding the power in their areas. Staying in West Yorkshire, Ed Balls was

perhaps one of the most prominent casualties of the elections, losing his seat in Morley and Outwood by just 422 votes. Conservatives’ Andrea Jenkins is his replacement and her appointment sees an end to a decade of power for Balls who has long been at the heart of the Labour party. Speaking after his defeat, he said: “Any personal disappointment I have at this result is nothing compared to the sense of sorrow I have at the result Labour has achieved across the United Kingdom tonight, and the sense of concern I have about the future. “We will now face five years where questions will arise about the future of our union, about whether we can stay as a member of the European Union and fight for jobs and investment, whether we can make sure we secure our National Health Service at a time when public spending is cut. “Those are real concerns to me and to many people across the United Kingdom.” All other seats in Leeds were held by their current MP, as follows: Alec Shelbrooke (Tory), Hillary Benn (Labour), Richard Burgon (Labour), Fabian Hamilton (Labour), Greg Mulholland (Lib ELECTED: Imran Hussain takes over David Ward as the MP for Bradford East Dem), Rachel Reeves after receiving more than 19,000 votes (Labour) and Stewart Andrew (Tory).


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UK pledges millions to support earthquake-hit nation

Nepal disaster response

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

As Nepal begins its long recovery from the huge earthquake which affected millions across the country, Britain continues to provide aid with more shelter kits being delivered this week. More than 65,000 people have already benefitted from the kits, with many routinely stored in the nation as part of the Department for International Development’s (DFID) disaster response plan, whilst extra supplies have also been flown into Nepal following the disaster. This meant UK aid supplies were among the first to reach communities who lost their homes following the earthquake. On top of the shelter already distributed, DFID will deliver nearly 20,000 more shelters to Nepal in the coming weeks, enough to house over 100,000 people. The Government of Nepal estimates that 500,000 homes were destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, leaving millions without shelter as the monsoon season approaches. Flights carrying 9,500 shelter kits, each with two tarpaulins, will be flown in from the UK’s warehouse in Dubai and another 10,000 kits will be delivered by truck from India. Following the Government of Nepal’s announcement that the search and rescue

phase is coming to an end, the UK’s International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) team have also now begun to return home. During their deployment they played a key role in the relief effort, carrying out search operations, providing first aid and making safe a hospital that can now treat hundreds of patients. International Development Secretary Justine Greening said she wanted to thank all the search and rescue teams who had helped to save hundreds of lives. “Our pre-positioned shelter kits meant that within 24 hours of the earthquake British aid was reaching communities who had been hit hard and providing temporary homes to thousands of people across Nepal,” she

said. “Ahead of the monsoon season, we are delivering thousands more to help the Nepalese people cope as they recover from this tragic disaster. “I would like to thank our incredible search and rescue workers and medics whose tireless efforts are saving many lives. We should feel immensely proud of these brave men and women and the role they are playing in Britain’s humanitarian response to the earthquake in Nepal.” The UK has now pledged to continue to play a leading role in responding to the earthquake in Nepal and is currently the largest donor to the relief operation with more than £23million donated.


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Bradford Literature Festival

A World of Words & Ideas 15-24 May 2015

After the overwhelming success of ENTERTAINMENT: The Hussain Brothers will the September 2014 launch weekend, bring an evening of Qawwali music to the festival the Bradford Literature Festival is set to take the national festival scene by storm later this month as it runs between Friday 15th and Sunday 24th May. At the heart of this unique festival is cultural literacy – an exploration of race, faith and culture through a celebration of literature, history and the arts. With over 150 events in 20 venues, featuring more than 250 writers, thinkers, artists and experts from countries ranging from Nigeria to Syria, Poland to Pakistan and Ireland to Iran. Exploring everything from ISIS to Islamophobia, Bollywood to the Brontes, comedy to crime, diabetes to doll making, football to feminism, horror to goth, Sufism to Judaism, and from poetry to politics; the festival has something for everyone. This is one festival that doesn’t shy away from asking difficult questions. How do rising Islamophobia and antisemitism reflect on British values? What is the lure of ISIS? Ten years on, have we learnt any lessons from 7/7? What are the burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask about Islam but never dared? Do we really have freedom of speech, or is it a delusion of ‘liberal’ societies? How do we define masculinity today and what is the impact of female tabloid euphemisms? From current affairs to the politics of gender, and global conflicts to their local effects, this groundbreaking festival offers a neutral space for constructive conversations about thorny topics which urgently need to including Charlie and Lola. There will be addressed. Shabnam Khan be a Qawwali event by the Hussain brothers based on Allama Iqbal’s Shikwa, Jawab-e-Shikwa and a day of events themed around Sufi poetry culminating in an evening performance of Sufiyana Kalaam in the beautiful voice of Shabnam Khan. By celebrating Bradford’s literary, historical, faith and cultural heritage, the festival is as much about the local as it is about the global. One of the festival’s flagship events is Sacred Poetry, a showcase of Bradford’s entire faithscape, featuring Michael Akram Khan Symmons Roberts alongside some of Yorkshire’s finest artists including This year the Bradford Literature Supriya Nagarajan, Shabnam Khan Festival will host some of the most and Inder Goldfinger. This year notable names from the worlds of Sacred Poetry will take place at the literature, poetry, journalism, science oldest building in the city, Bradford and faith. Will Self will be offering Cathedral. Linking the city’s past and present philosophical insights on particle physics with leading scientist and with an eye on its future, Professor Akram Khan. Celebrated Bradford Literature Festival is Children’s author Lauren Child will spearheading the city’s cultural be talking about her famous books renaissance.

Will Self ©Valerie Bennett 2010

For details of the full programme and tickets, please visit www.bradfordliteraturefestival.co.uk. Hard copies of the brochure can be requested by emailing info@bradfordliteraturefestival.co.uk


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Bank Holiday MAYHEM Taxi strike leaves May Day revellers stranded across Wakefield

SUPPORT: (right) Banners and signs were created to show the feelings of drivers in the city

PRESENCE: (below) Taxi drivers gathered at Wakefield city centre last weekend to protest against the rising costs of their profession

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PROTEST: More than 500 drivers came out in support, whilst a reported 4,500 drivers did not work on the bank holiday

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Bank holiday Monday is one of the busiest nights of the year for pubs and clubs across the country, welcoming in thousands of visitors from across the local area. However, what are usually the packed streets of Wakefield on a ‘three-day-weekend’, turned out to be rather quiet last Sunday as a taxi strike in the city caused travel mayhem for visitors. In total, 4,500 drivers were reportedly on strike throughout the night across the whole of the Wakefield district – from 6pm on Sunday 4th May to

6am Monday 5th May – with 33 taxi companies and 126 hackney carriage vehicles refusing service. Services in Leeds, Kirklees and other surrounding councils also provided limited service to the area following a dispute over legislation and rising costs. The action was taken after plans were proposed earlier this year for an extra vehicle check to be introduced to every driver in the Wakefield area each year. This would take the total number of tests up to three a year, costing around £200 each time, on top of an annual MOT. A letter sent out to drivers in March this year also suggested new legislation could be introduced which would remove any cars seven years or older from such service. Yasar Ahmad, of the UK Fleet, Wakefield, was one of the orchestrators of the event and said it could have been avoided if the driver’s demands had of been heard at a previous date. “These extra costs would put Wakefield at the top of the most expensive councils in the country for taxi drivers, and we are already paying more than cities such as Leeds and London,” he said. “This strike had to happen because we have been told for too long by our Labour MP that they want to help, yet now they are talking about introducing even more charges. “As well as refusing service we also carried out a slow drive protest in the city which really

affected traffic in the city centre.” Despite receiving support from a number of other agencies, Mr Ahmad also accepted that there would be people who did not back the strike. “Understandably this strike has affected everyday people who wanted to go into Wakefield for bank holiday,” he said. “This was the only way we could physically show how important our services are on one of the busiest days of the year.” Complaints were also made about the strike by some other taxi drivers who say they were unaware of any industrial action, and were threatened and intimidated when entering Wakefield. One driver from Amber Cars, Leeds, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he was twice stopped in the city with threats made against him and his car. Speaking to the Asian Express, he said: “I wasn’t aware of any strikes taking place in the city so when I got a call to say a student ordered a pick up from Wakefield to Leeds I set off as usual. “I was then stopped by a group of four men who told me ‘you can’t be flagging around here’. They threatened to damage my car if I worked in the area. It was very intimidating to be honest.” A second strike is now planned to commence on Monday 11th May between 7am and 11am, likely to affect school traffic and work commuters. A slow drive protest will also be held in the city centre.


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SUPPORT: Last year, the gala dinner marked one year on from the launch of Give a Gift with young and old celebrating the occasion

Charity initiative launches annual event

Give a

Gift

Dinner returns

ENTERTAINMENT: Salah and Arooje perform on stage at last year’s event at the Aagrah Midpoint

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Less than two years ago the Give a Gift initiative was launched in Leeds as a way of getting the South Asian community more involved with supporting local mainstream causes. Fast forward to the present day and with more than £40,000 raised and 1,500 toys donated, the once ‘pipeline dream’ has become a ‘thriving reality’. Next month, the third annual Charity Gala Dinner will be held in support of the two local causes - Martin House Hospice and The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, as the 2015 calendar of events kicks off in style. On Friday 5th June, hundreds are expected to gather at the Aagrah Midpoint where they will enjoy a drinks reception before a delicious three course meal with entertainment and a charity auction staged throughout the night. Amongst the many entertaining acts will be Britain’s junior freestyle dance champion, who at the age of just ten-years-old, optimises what the youth are able to achieve with the right support in place. Give a Gift ambassador, Rifhat Malik, says the support received over the past 20 months has been ‘phenomenal’ and hopes to continue building on the project’s success. “Since our first event in 2013, we have received amazing support from the community and this year Give a Gift will be bigger and better than ever,” she said. “Our annual gala dinner is a flagship event on the Give a Gift calendar and with people of all ages supporting this initiative it really shows how much of a difference we can all make to our local causes when working together.” As well as the now annual dinner, over the past two years the Give a Gift team have run an array of events from 10k challenges, to fashion shows. Most notably, the annual Ramadan toy appeal has so far seen over 1,000 toys handed over to children at Leeds General Infirmary and Martin House Children’s Hospice. If you would like to attend the upcoming Gala Dinner, tickets are now available by contacting the Give a Gift team on 07734 882 116.


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It has been a season of ups and downs for Bradford City on the playing field, balancing an incredible FA Cup run with the heartbreak of missing out on a spot in the play-offs. However, despite a somewhat subdued ending to the action-packed campaign, one school in the city has always gone that extra mile to show they have claret and gold running through their veins. St Matthew’s CE Primary School, on Mayo Avenue, have raised more than £3,000 for the club’s charity, Bradford Burns Unit, over the past three years and continued in good form this academic year. Headteacher Bob Curran has been a City supporter since he was just 11-years-old and said there was a ‘growing pride’ surrounding the club in the area. He said: “I have never seen so many pupils at matches at Valley Parade, or heard so much discussion about the team’s performance by pupils and staff. “There’s huge pride in the Bantams’ achievements this season, which has resulted in growing pride in the district.” Evidence of the increased support first came to Mr Curran’s attention in January when pupils cheered spontaneously and loudly at a special assembly to celebrate the 4-2 win against Chelsea. “We showed a video of the match goals and the children cheered like mad when City scored. I’ve never seen anything like it in a school assembly,” he said. Earlier this year, children from the school took part in a sponsored shootout against the club’s mascot, Billy Bantam, raising £600 through the initiative. A cheque was then presented to the Bradford Burns Unit at a special assembly, attended by City player Filipe Morais. Year 6 pupil Sanaan Ul-Haq explained how he used to be a ‘glory supporter’, preferring to follow the fortunes of top clubs such as Manchester United or Real Madrid. “But when City beat Chelsea, I started

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supporting them,” he said. It isn’t only the pupils and Mr Curran who share a love for the Bantams, with Assistant Head and Year 6 teacher Val Walsh also holding a close connection to the club. Mrs Walsh, whose father died in the 1985 Bradford City Fire Disaster, has been a keen

supporter for 17 years. “The school has supported Bradford City and the Burns Unit for years, but I have never seen this level of support before,” she added. “There are lots of City supporters in Year 6 and our Monday mornings often start with a post-match analysis.”

CHEER: Pupils and staff from St Matthew’s CE Primary School have found a new level of support for Bradford City this season

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School is ‘Bantams mad’ as season comes to a close

Football Fever


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UK’s fourth largest grocer Bradford-based Morrisons continues to grapple with falling figures

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Britain's fourth biggest supermarket chain, Morrisons, revealed a further deterioration in its sales performance last week, highlighting the tough turnaround job faced by its new boss David Potts. Shares in the Bradford-based group which trails market leader Tesco, Wal-Mart' Asda and Sainsbury's in annual sales, fell 6.7 per cent in the first quarter. This followed Morrisons’ update, which said sales at stores open over a year, excluding fuel, fell 2.9 per cent in the 13 weeks to 3rd May, the firm's fiscal first quarter. That compares to analysts' forecasts of a decline of about three per cent and a fall of 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter of Morrisons' 2014-15 year. The update is the first presided over by Chief Executive David Potts, who succeeded the sacked Dalton Philips on 16th March. Analysts noted comparative numbers were very weak as Morrisons' like-for-like sales had

slumped 7.1 percent in the first quarter of 2014-15. Morrisons, which in common with its rivals is grappling with record food price deflation and an intensifying price war launched to stem the flow of shoppers to discounters Aldi and Lidl, said it anticipated that underlying profit before tax in the 2015-16 year would be higher in the second half than the first. Finance director Trevor Strain told reporters the company was comfortable with analysts' average full-year forecast of £356 million but noted consensus had drifted down from £387 million when Morrisons reported 2014-15 results in March. “It’s an uphill challenge reinvigorating Morrisons’ fortunes,” Himanshu Pal, director of retail insights at researcher Kantar Retail, said. “Not only because of the general declining footfalls at big supermarkets but the retailer is also significantly underrepresented in convenience and

online channels.” Ex-Tesco executive Potts has hit the ground running, axing the majority of the management team he inherited a week after joining. He has since announced plans to cut head office staff by 720, at a cost of 30-40 million pounds, while adding 5,000 shop floor staff to improve customer service. Potts has also brought back staffed express checkouts and jettisoned the previous management's computerised queue management system. “Our priorities are to improve the customers’ shopping trip and make our core supermarkets strong again,” he said. “We are listening hard to customers and colleagues and, wherever possible, we are responding quickly.” Potts said he would provide a detailed update on his plans when Morrisons publishes first half results in September but said the focus would continue to be ‘to invest more for customers in order to build trading momentum’.

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Museums ‘after dark’

Three city museums will be opening their doors after hours and hosting a variety of special events as part of a UK-wide festival set to begin next week. Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds City Museum and Leeds Discovery Centre are all set to feature in ‘Museums at Night’, which is co-ordinated by Culture 24 and held nationally from Wednesday 13th May - Saturday 16th May, encouraging museums and galleries to showcase their venues to visitors at times usually outside traditional opening hours. Fans of Harry Potter are in for a real treat on Friday 15th May and Saturday 16th May, as a number of films featuring the young magician will be shown in the illustrious setting of Kirkstall Abbey. For more information on events and admission, please visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries

Market on the move

Shoppers to the monthly Saltaire Local Produce market are reminded that just for this weekend the market which is run by Bradford Council will be relocating to Robert’s Park. Traders from the usual monthly market will be setting up their stalls in the park on Saturday 9 May as part of a special Dragon Boat event, which is raising money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The market which takes place every second Saturday of the month has 17 stalls including local cheeses, pickles, pies, fresh hand picked organic vegetables, local beers, olives, eggs, sweets, local honey, loose leaf tea, chutneys, marmalades and jams.


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Zayn and Louie in Twitter spat

TWEET: Zayn and Louie argued on Twitter after a photo was uploaded of Malik and Naughty Boy

Upper Forehead - Digestive system.

Causes- The digestive system is having problems breaking down foods, which can cause a build up of toxins, resulting in spots on the upper forehead. Solution- Consume more antioxidant rich foods and drinks, such as green tea, lemon water and berries.

Lower Forehead - Mind and spirit.

Causes- Irregular sleeping patterns, stress, depression and bad circulation. Solution- Sleep before 11pm and find ways to destress, such as meditation exercises, long baths, spa dates and Me time.

Nose - Heart.

Causes- Blood pressure or again stress. Solution- Ensure you get checked out by a doctor to check the heart is healthy and there are no circulative problems, find time to relax.

Window to the liver is the Eyes.

Causes- Spots in and around the eyebrow area could indicate a poor diet, which is high in fat and too much alcohol. Solution- Cut down on high fat foods and alcohol and try to have a healthier diet.

Ears - Kidneys.

Causes- Problems with the kidney are caused by not drinking enough water and consuming too much salt and caffeine. Solution- Drink more water and cut down on the salt and caffeine intake, cleansing the kidney.

Cheeks - Lungs.

Causes- Could be allergies, respiratory stress and smoking. Solution- Find out what could be causing the allergies in order to avoid in the future. If you are a smoker then try cut down, and if you are not avoid

smoking areas. Mouth area & centre of the chin Stomach and small intestine.

Causes- Pimples appearing here could mean you are consuming to much high fast foods or there is a constipation problem. Solution- Eat more fresh foods, high in fibre such as vegetables, fruits and whole grain foods.

Side of the chin - Reproductive organs and kidneys.

Causes- Women tend to get spots in this area during the menstrual cycle. If pimples do appear in this area at other times, or frequently it could indicate hormonal imbalance for other reasons or that the kidney is working over time as you are putting yourself through to much stress. Solution- relaxation.

07462 556 956 City Centre Branch, Kirkgate Next to McDonald’s

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May 2015 - 1st Edition

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

They were once bandmates in the largest group in the world yet Zayn Malik and Louie Tomlinson seemed far from friends last week as they clashed on Twitter following a simple uploaded photo. Malik, who left One Direction in March this year, has yet to release any solo music since the split despite spending much time with producer and ‘good friend’, Naughty Boy – real name, Shahid Khan. On Wednesday 6th May, a photo was uploaded by the DJ with the message ‘caption this’, showing Malik and Naughty Boy sat in a studio with a filter on the screen. A tweet by Tomlinson soon after seemed to start the ‘war of words’ as he seemingly made fun of the image. His tweet read: “Remember when you were 12 and you used to think those Mac filters for your pictures were cool haha! Some people still do HA!” In response, Bradford singer Zayn wrote: “Remember when you had a life and stopped making bitchy comments about mine?”

Following the exchanges of words, Naughty Boy also got in on the action, initially writing directly to Tomlinson: “And some people can't even sing...but who's complaining when there's auto tune eh.” Tomlinson replied: “Jesus forgot you were such an in demand producer...How does it feel to be riding on the back of someone else's career?” The written conversation did not end there with two more tweets following from both artists, with Naughty Boy adding: “Yeah how does it feel mate? You've been doing that for the last five years... I've got Emeli Sande and Sam Smith on my CV.” To which Tomlinson finally replied: “Good for you, well done! I think we've done alright in terms of sales and I've happened to write on most. Keep trying!” One Direction’s next tour date will see them return to the British Isles as they play in front of a packed Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 5th and 6th June before heading out across Europe and America. It seems the popularity of the group has not diminished since Malik’s departure with all 25 UK dates, in September and October, already completely sold out.

War of Words SINGERS: Zayn Malik (top left) and Louie Tomlinson spent five years together as band-mates in One Direction before the prior left the group in March 2015


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APPEAL: Razia has spent her on money purchasing sewing machines for people in Africa and is appealing for more equipment to be donated

Sewing machines wanted prior to take-off

Generous Gran heads to Africa A charitable grandmother from Bradford is set to venture half way around the world later this year as she hopes to set up a sewing centre in one of Africa’s most deprived nations. 54-year-old Razia Amini, from Heaton, will head to Burkina Faso at the end of May as a representative of the Humanity First charity. Having already completed two successful trips to the Gambia in the last two years, she is once again calling on the public to help her in her quest to support some of the world’s most vulnerable families. “This year I am specifically appealing for sewing machines,” she explained. “When we arrive in Burkina Faso we are hoping to set up a self-operating ‘sewing centre’. “Our initial plan is to hire one member of staff, and train her in the field before she then teaches them same skills to the group

which will enable the site to run independently and selfsufficiently. “The products they make, and services provided, will help them earn a wage in an area of major unemployment and also act as a safe place in the area.” Razia will spend two weeks in the country alongside one or two other representatives from the charity where they will focus their work on the sewing centre and a local school. A huge container full of supplies is already being prepared to be shipped prior to Razia’s departure, which so far includes more than 40 sewing machines amongst thousands of other items. The truck-load of products will be twice the size of her previous collections, and Razia admits it will be a new experience. “It is going to be a new challenge and we are going to a

very poor area but it is something I am looking forward to and prepared for.” As well as the sewing machines, Razia is also appealing for other donations. “The major appeal this year is of course the sewing machines but I am also hoping to gather bikes which can help children get access to education which they previously never had,” she said. “I’m also calling on schools, and businesses who may be refurbishing to donate desks, chairs and laptops which will be put to very good use in the country.” Almondbury Community School, in Huddersfield, is one educational establishment which has already got involved with the appeal, donating masses of their furniture. Please contact Razia on 07889 524 557 for all donations.


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Name a street in Huddersfield

Members of the Kirklees community are being given the opportunity to become part of local history by naming a new street. Kirklees Council is asking for suggestions for names to be considered for allocation to a new street to serve two new residential

developments on land adjacent to 18 Abbey Road, Shepley, Huddersfield, and the former Soothill Cricket Ground. In the past, local street names could be descriptive, or refer to prominent local towns and cities. For this competition, names should

not duplicate or closely resemble existing street names in the area. Streets are generally not named after persons who are living or who have lived in the recent past. Preference is often given to names with local connotations. Suggestions can be sent by email to street.naming@ kirklees.gov.uk or by telephone to 01484 221 560.

Safeguarding children from extremism in Leeds

TERROR: Hassan Munshi and Talha Asmal, from Dewsbury, were two of the most high profile cases of teens travelling to Syria

Head teachers offered support against radicalisation A series of nationwide seminars, aimed at helping school and college leaders protect young people from being drawn into extremism and radicalisation, will arrive in Leeds next month. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is launching the seminars to offer support and guidance to leadership teams in response to new legislation and widespread concern over the impact of extremist propaganda on young people. Earlier this year, the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 placed a statutory duty on schools and colleges to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Alongside a resurgence of far right extremism and Islamophobia, the UK is facing unprecedented numbers of citizens joining terror groups with some 600 foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq being British citizens. The most high profile case in recent months from West Yorkshire saw two teenage boys from Dewsbury travel to Syria in April. Described as two ‘ordinary Yorkshire lads’, Hassan Munshi and Talha Asmal, both 17, were ‘failed by the whole system’ according to faith leaders, and now the focus is on school life. The ASCL seminars will help school and college

leaders understand the duties placed on them; give them practical help and advice in safeguarding children in an environment which celebrates equality and diversity; and understand how propaganda on social media and the internet grooms young people into extremist ideologies. The seminars will be led by highly-respected Birmingham headteacher Kamal Hanif, counterextremism campaigner Sara Khan and ASCL parliamentary specialist Anna Cole.

“These seminars will help schools and, in turn, parents, who often have no idea that their children are accessing this sort of information, to pick up the signs, and use the appropriate channels in dealing with these concerns. “They will help to equip heads with the counter narratives to some of the false claims put out by extremists.” Ms Khan added: “It is important for schools to understand the current threat of extremism and how extremists prey on children both online and

“It is important for schools to understand the current threat of extremism and how extremists prey on children both online and offline.” Mr Hanif said the meetings would look at creating a greater understanding around the issues of radicalisation and extremism and how to identify and deal with situations in an ‘appropriate manner’. “Young people spend a lot of their time on the web and social media and they can easily get drawn into extremist ideas without access to a counter narrative,” he said.

offline. “Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of myths propagated about what the statutory requirements mean for both schools and pupils. The seminars will clarify and help guide schools how they can safeguard children from extremists who seek to exploit them.” The Leeds seminar will be held on 24th June with more information available by visiting www.ascl.org.uk


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S2OW DOWN SAFETY: Residential areas across Calderdale will become 20mph zones as the council aims to improve safety in the area

A host of new 20mph speed limits have started to come into effect across Calderdale this month as the council aims to make streets safer for the public. As part of the ‘Love our Streets’ campaign, new speed limits will be installed in residential streets throughout the borough until 2017, with the target of cutting the number of serious collisions. Last year, 91 people were killed or seriously injured on Calderdale’s roads, including 10 children, and following a panel meeting in April 2014, it was decided more had to be done to combat these figures. The new limits are already in seven areas of Calderdale with next phases set to be rolled out in Siddal and Southowram this June. The move towards more 20mph areas reflects what other parts of the

New speed limits call on driver safety

UK are doing with the council being the first in West Yorkshire to introduce 20mph speed limits in most residential streets. Calderdale Council's Director of Public Health, Paul Butcher, said: “In our recent survey with over 2000 residents across Calderdale, 89 per cent told us they backed the introduction of 20mph speed limits in residential areas in the borough. “When asked what would help them drive at 20mph, nearly half said that other drivers doing 20mph would be the biggest help. “Slower speed limits can help everyone, from children to older people, to feel safe and enable them to live healthy lifestyles. This mirrors the

aims of the national ‘20 is Plenty’ group, who want the same for all streets in the country. “We know that change won't happen overnight, but throughout the campaign we will be sharing the facts and benefits of driving at 20mph for everyone, including offers and practical tools.” In the survey with Calderdale residents, people also said they were worried that if they drove at 20mph they could experience aggressive behaviour from the driver behind. Car CCTVs are becoming more and more popular, with drivers reporting benefits from video evidence, including less tailgating and reduced aggressive behaviour.


C A K E S • D E S S E R T S • I C E C R E A M • M I L K S H A K E S • H OT D R I N K S • M O C K TA I L S

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Choose to be a Chaplain volunteer

CARE: Maryam Riaz has been a Chaplain at the Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for almost ten years and described the work of volunteers as ‘remarkable’

Could you ‘be the backbone’ at Bradford hospitals Volunteers from all religions are being sought to help bring a listening ear and a kindly word into the lives of hospital patients in Bradford. The chaplaincy service at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, which caters to people of different faiths and those of no faith, wants to expand its reach and recruit even more volunteers than the 60 it currently has. Mohammed Arshad, head of chaplaincy at the hospitals, has been in his role for the past 15 years and has seen the ‘huge impact’ volunteers can have on patients’ lives. Explaining how the role of a volunteer can often be the difference between a ‘good day and a bad one’ for people on the wards, he said: “The volunteers are the backbone of our department. “It is not all about religion with our department as our main aim is to ensure the spiritual wellbeing of each patient is catered for, regardless of their beliefs. “The Trust currently employs seven chaplains who represent all major religions in the city, but we also need an enthusiastic team of volunteer visitors who can supplement our staff’s work in providing spiritual healthcare. “This support and enhancement of our compassionate care ethos helps to enhance the patient experience here at our Trust and for many patients is a vital source of comfort during their stay.” To become a volunteer you need to be aged 17-years-old and over, and be able to commit at least two-to-three hours every week to the hospitals.

Four days of training are provided to applicants before they undertake their roles on site, on their preferable wards if available, with inter Hospital chaplain, Maryam Riaz, will have been working with the Bradford hospitals for ten years in August. She said that the work of volunteers is ‘crucial and remarkable in its own right’, and allowed every department to run smoother. She added: “The chaplains deliver a thorough training programme to equip potential volunteers with the essential skills that are required for visiting patients. “This includes how to provide general support to patients in a variety of situations during their hospital stay, understanding religion and spirituality from different faiths, vital listening skills and an introduction to providing bereavement support.” Previous chaplaincy volunteers have won awards in recognition for the dedication, commitment and kindness they have shown across the Foundation Trust’s

SUPPORT: Head of Chaplaincy, Mohammed Arshad, is one of seven chaplains who currently work at the hospitals with 60 volunteers

hospitals. Every year, an annual ‘Thank you Lunch’ is held for the volunteers where the hospital’s chief executives and chairperson will attend to commend the efforts. Terry Kershaw, from Bankfoot in Bradford, came third in the Foundation Trust’s Volunteer of the Year awards last year after being nominated for his work by staff on ward 26 of the Bradford Royal Infirmary. Meanwhile, in 2013, chaplaincy visitor Mary Gilmartin won second prize at the annual ceremony after being nominated by Maryam. If you are interested in becoming a chaplaincy volunteer, please contact Dawn Arnison on 01274 365 819 or email dawn.arnison@bthft.nhs.uk. The Foundation Trust is currently interviewing prospective candidates in advance of the four-day induction course for new chaplaincy volunteers, between 5th and 8th October, 9.30-4pm, at St Luke’s Hospital.

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Friends of Kashmir Leeds event discusses needs of Kashmiri community As the British public prepares to makes its decision on who will lead the country forward in the future, a special event was staged in Leeds last week, to discuss issues at the other side of the world. Organised by the Labour Friends of Kashmir, over 400 people turned out to discuss the profile of Kashmir and the concerns of suffering in the South Asian region. Speakers were joined by chief guest, the former leader of the region, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, who spoke of the need of a democratic referendum ‘back home’. Barrister Chaudhry organised the ‘Million March’ last year which saw thousands line the streets of London in hope of forcing a peaceful solution and settlement of the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. Since Pakistan was first founded the area of Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan, resulting in three separate wars. Meanwhile, legislation which affects people locally was also discussed at length as well as national issues. Cllr Javaid Akhtar was one of the speakers on the night and explained further why the former Prime Minister had travelled to West Yorkshire.

“Barrister Chaudhry was here in the UK because of the elections and wanted to show his support to the Kashmiri community living in Leeds,” he said. “The Kashmiri community is effected as much as anyone else in

the country by the results of the elections and therefore they must know what different parties are working towards.” He added: “The event was a big success and to be able to inform a large audience of issues on a local,

ATTENDANCE: More than 400 people attended the event in Leeds

national and international basis, was really productive.” Natives from Kashmir, who now reside in Leeds, were amongst those in attendance at the event last week, alongside several councillors and community leaders.

SPEECH: Barrister Chaudhry addresses the crowds in Leeds during the Friends of Kashmir event last week


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Dads go back to School LEARNING: Nasir Butt was just one of the 62 fathers and grandfathers who attended the ‘Dads in School’ day, pictured here alongside his daughter, Aqsa

More than 60 dads and granddads spent a morning back in the classroom last week to see what their children get up to at school. A total of 62 men took part in the ‘Dads in School’ morning event at St Matthew’s CE Primary School, on Mayo Avenue, Bradford, held on Wednesday 29th April. It is the fifth year in a row that the event has been staged and has only grown in popularity with all parties involved. Pupils and teachers at the school host the event to encourage dads and granddads to get more involved in the school and strengthen their community ties. At last week’s event, dads got involved in an array of lessons including school project work, woodwork as well as maths and

A better Leeds

Annual event gets thumbs up from all English activities. For some, this was the first time they had been to their child’s school and many were full of praise for the way it went. Headteacher Bob Curran reiterated this feeling after the morning’s activities and praised the initiative’s proactive approach. “It was a really successful event. Some of the dads have never been into school before and said they really enjoyed the experience,” Mr Curran said. “They saw some of their child’s schoolwork and helped them with

Intervention by the council to tackle the city’s worst eyesore sites has resulted in over half a million pounds worth of improvements. The council’s derelict and nuisance property programme was established in 2012 to get derelict sites and empty properties blighting communities improved, demolished or back into use. Of the £500,000 rolling budget for the programme, the council has spent £75,000 so far. Work has included encouraging owners to take action, enforcement action or carrying out works where owners fail to. Property and land owners have invested around £525,000 making interim improvements as a result of the council’s intervention. Sites on the council’s hit list that have benefitted from the council’s intervention include the Lord Cardigan, a former pub in Bramley, and the Spotted Cow, another former pub in Holbeck.

a project. The children were delighted to be able to show their dads what they are doing at school. “We asked some of the dads what they thought about the event. One said it had been a wonderful experience and he felt ecstatic. “Another said it would build a great bond between parents, teachers and children. Others said they had enjoyed it and were looking forward to another chance to come back to the school.”

Super Furry Animals spotted in Bingley

Musical revolutionaries Super Furry Animals are the latest headliners promised by Bingley Music Live, as it brings four headliners, plus dozens of other acts, over three days to Myrtle Park for the first time in the festival’s history. Super Furry Animals will join the legends of the British music scene, James, and the multi-talented Labrinth as the festival with the reputation of the ‘North’s Last Great Party of Summer’ on 4th to 6th September. BML, which is one of the best value for money festivals around (Just £49 for a three day weekend), will announce another ‘co-headline’ act shortly. Super Furry Animals, who formed in 1993, have recorded nine albums. They are probably best known for singles, such as 'Rings Around the World', the Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder inspired ‘Juxtaposed with U’, 'Phantom Power', 'Radiator' and ‘If You Don’t Want Me To Destroy You’.

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Mother and son targeted with ‘vile abuse’

WANTED: Police have released images of eight men they want to identify following the racial abuse of a mother and her young son

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for the public’s help in identifying a number of men after a mother and her young son were the target of abusive and racist language on a train between Leeds and Bradford. The incident took place on Saturday 25th April shortly after 2pm on a Northern Rail service between Leeds and Bradford Forster Square. PC Craig Virco, leading the investigation, explained: “A woman boarded the 2.10pm service at Leeds, sitting in a centre carriage with her fouryear-old son. Soon after, a group of men entered the same carriage and immediately began using foul language, singing, and chanting football songs. “The group then began repeatedly using racist language, some of which was directed at the young boy. “They ignored the mother’s

requests to stop. When she stood up to leave the train at Shipley, she again challenged the group’s behaviour, only to become the target for more abuse.” Officers have successfully isolated a number of CCTV images of men they wish to speak to as they are believed to have information about what happened.

“Now we are calling on members of the public to help. Do you recognise any of the men pictured? Were you on the train in question? If so, we want to hear from you.” Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B9 of

“As is understandable, the mother left the train hugely upset, shocked and disgusted at the vile abuse directed and her very young son, and promptly contacted police.” PC Virco added: “As is understandable, the mother left the train hugely upset, shocked and disgusted at the vile abuse directed and her very young son, and promptly contacted police.

06/05/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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PROTEST: Farzan Khan and Zulfakar Ali have been bus drivers in Bradford for a combined 18 years and it is the first time they have been involved with a protest

Bradford bus strikes Industrial action causes travel mayhem in city

UNITE: Members of the Unite union gathered outside the gates of First Buses in Bradford as two days of protests were seen


May 2015 - 1st Edition

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SUPPORT: Hundreds of protestors turned out over the two days to show their solidarity with the drivers

“There is a big shortage of drivers with no recruitment of new drivers and this is coupled with the movement of jobs without consultation from Bradford to other towns. “This situation is compounded by inadequate engineering of the buses and the recycling of old buses. Many buses are unreliable – with all the health and safety considerations that this state of affairs raises. “The management needs Bus users across Bradford basis. to wake up and take the were forced to find The main issue in dispute union’s legitimate concerns alternative routes around the is the transfer of part of the seriously. city last week as a two-day 576 bus service, from “The company has been strike affected thousands of Bradford to Halifax, with the daily commuters. loss of eight jobs when it will dragging its feet in talks with Unite and we have been left On Monday 27th and be operated by the Halifax with no option, but to call Tuesday 28th April, bus depot. this strike, so the citizens of drivers with ‘First West There has also been an Bradford get the service they Yorkshire’ walked out over a attack on terms and deserve and pay for.” dispute with their employers conditions, and the The drivers had voted by in regard to the possible imposition of rosters, without 89 per cent for strike action closure of one of the bus prior consultation and and by 93 per cent for depots. negotiations with the union. industrial action short of a In total, 380 drivers took Representatives from the strike. part in the 48-hour protest as union described this as an In a statement on the First part of Unite – the country’s ‘abrupt change’ to the largest union, with many previously good relationship group’s website, the company called the situation gathering at the First between themselves and ‘disappointing’. Bradford depot, on Bowling local management, with “The dispute is centred Back Lane, Bradford, where Unite regional officer, around the reallocation of a large presence was seen Harriet Eisner, adding they some staffing duties on the across both days. were left with no option but 576 route,” it read. Amongst the hundred-plus to strike. “Some 576 buses are now protestors in attendance “This blinkered were bus drivers Farzan management has let services run by drivers from our Halifax depot, and this was Khan and Zulfakar Ali. wither on the vine over the The two employees have last four years – for example, done to balance the amount of work that we had and been in their roles for ten the number of drivers protect jobs in both areas and eight years respectively, employed has shrunk from following tender losses in and said it was the first time 470 to 380 in that time,” she Halifax. either of them had been said. “Right now our priority is involved with industrial “While the strike will be to continue talking with the action, yet added that the inconvenient for thousands trade union, but clearly we union ‘had to stick together’. of bus users, the bigger Unite accuses First of picture that Unite is fighting are very disappointed with the situation, and we are running the aforementioned for is the maintenance of very concerned about the bus depot down with the good and reliable services uncertainty and intention of closing it in the with top quality buses, inconvenience that this future, adding there were properly serviced. We also announcement has caused also allegations of bullying want our members treated our customers.” and harassment on a daily with dignity and respect.

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RUGBY: Head coach at Keighley Cougars, Paul March, and Saima Hussain with Year Seven and Eight girls from Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College

Giving it a

SAFETY: The new scheme was signed by representatives of the WYFRS and Yorkshire Building Society last month

‘TRY’ Students set up first girl’s rugby team

A Bradford school is actively highlighting the inclusivity of Rugby League as they push ahead with plans to set up their first all girls side this term - with a little help from the pros of course. Year Seven and Eight students from Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College were greeted by a Rugby League pioneer last week as the first Asian female player was welcomed to the school. Saima Hussain broke down her own barriers on the way to forging a career in the sport, going on to represent England at international level. Now, working in partnership with Keighley Cougars head coach, Paul March, Saima – sports development officer at Bradford Youth Development Partnership (BYDP), is coaching 11 and 12-year-olds in the sport she loves. During the timetabled PE lessons the sporty children are trained and encouraged to have positive attitudes towards sport, with Saima sharing her

own stories from throughout her career. Lee Allington, faculty leader head of PE at Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College said everyone involved with the coaching was excited about the prospect of setting up a team. “Our aim is to change perceptions and show people how girls can contribute to this sport,” he said. “Our pupils have been very enthusiastic, especially meeting the role model Saima who represented England. “We’re very much looking forward to creating our own team and in time competing nationally in what is the Rugby League schools equivalent of the FA cup.” Saima came to the sport at the age of just nine and is now committed to raising the profile of women’s rugby league and encourage more women, including Asian women, to become involved in sport.

Committing to fire safety West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) will be providing fire safety advice to Yorkshire Building Society (YBS) thanks to a new partnership scheme signed last month. The scheme, also available to other organisations, will see brigade experts providing YBS with fire safety advice which the company can then adopt across the country, not just within West Yorkshire. Consistency is at the heart of The Primary Authority Scheme (PAS), which allows the emergency service and the business world to come together in a partnership, enabling fire and rescue services across England and Wales to work consistently to improve safety. Another advantage of the

system is that it ensures that fire safety policy is consistent across companies and streamlines compliance management. Chris Kemp, Fire Protection Manager who has introduced the scheme for WYFRS, said: “West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to supporting business development, growth and sustainability and the Primary Authority Scheme is an excellent mechanism to allow us to assist those who are proactive in the delivery of their fire safety duties. “We are delighted to be able to act as Primary Authority for the Yorkshire Building Society, the second largest building society in the UK which demonstrates our commitment to supporting local businesses by helping them reduce the risk of fire in their

premises.” Robin Churchouse, Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer at Yorkshire Building Society, added: “We’re committed to providing all our staff and customers with safe and healthy environments – and working directly with WYFRS is a logical and simple way to make sure we receive the very best advice and help from real experts.” The partnership was officially signed on 28th April 2015, by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton and Mr Churchouse. If your organisation is interested in approaching West Yorkshire and Fire Service for a Primary Authority Partnership please contact the Business Support Team on 0113 387573.


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TEAM: The group of volunteers gave up their own time on Sunday morning to clean Peel Park in Bradford

‘Team Clean’ Litter pickers out and about in Bradford

Brooms, bin bags and litter pickers were at the ready in Bradford last weekend as a group of young Muslim volunteers headed to their local park for a community clean up initiative. Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) gathered at the city’s Peel Park on Sunday 26th April as part of their ongoing commitment to helping the local community. Spending the day clearing playing fields and public

CLEAN: AMYA members tidy the green spaces in the city

spaces, the volunteers were replicating previous community work of which AMYA members have been carrying out in their local areas. Youth leader for AMYA in Bradford, Qasim Amini, said it was a great initiative that would help the relationship between the local community’s interfaith residents grow stronger. “It is our duty as Muslims to look after our environment and the creation of God,” he said. “Our religion teaches us

to care for our surroundings and be loyal to our country. We hope our work today will benefit the users of this park and work towards fulfilling our duties as Muslims and as British Citizens.” Naveed Ashraf, local member of AMYA in Bradford, added: “I really enjoyed our cleaning expedition this morning. “Thankfully the weather was on our side, and it was great to give something back to the local community.” AMYA UK recently held their annual Mercy4Mankind 10KM charity challenge where members from Bradford joined hundreds more from around the country in London's Hyde Park to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for several UK and international charities. Volunteers were joined by former England Cricketer and Ashes winner, Matthew Hoggard, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, and Secretary of State for International Development, Justine Greening.

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Making a Princess’s dream come true

www.asianexpress.co.uk A young cancer patient from Leeds made two new friends for life last week as a special screening of Cinderella was held at the Odeon cinema, equipped with princesses and a touch of magic. Six-year-old Zara Lundy, from Middleton, suffers from acute lymphoblastic t-cell leukaemia and is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment which makes her prone to infections. As such, the young Westwood Primary school pupil has been told to avoid busy places yet when the new Cinderella film was released FILM: The special screening of Cinderella was arranged for last week for Zara Lundy (back row, l-r) Sarah Ellis, Ellen Fox, Michelle Day, (middle l-r), Cinderella, Zara Lundy, Anna, (front, l-r) Jonny Lundy and Chelle Lundy

earlier this month, it became a ‘must-see’. Zara’s father, Jonny, explained: “As soon as Zara saw the first trailer for the film she immediately wanted to go so I started ringing around a few cinemas to see when the quietest showings were. “Unfortunately I was told to just turn up and see what it was like on the day. I didn’t want to take Zara all the way to the cinema to just disappoint her by turning around at the door, so we decided we couldn’t risk it.” After a number of phone calls, Jonny then contacted the Leeds/Bradford Odeon where he was put in touch with contact centre agent, Michelle Day. Michelle, a breast cancer survivor, then contacted the cinema’s manager, Ellen Fox, and the wheels were set in motion to organise a secret private screening for Zara, with Cinderella and Frozen’s Anna in attendance. “We were just blown away with the response,” Jonny

Local continued. “I can’t thank the Odeon staff enough for what they did for us. “We only found out about the princesses a few days before the screening and it was a huge surprise for Zara. She was blown away I think.” The two princesses greeted Zara at the cinema on Friday 24th April where she was sung to by Anna before walking up hand-in-hand with the pair to her red carpet reception. After chatting with her two new ‘besties’ Zara watched the film alongside the princesses. Jonny added: “She hasn’t stopped talking about the day and wants to invite the princesses to a party. “Zara has had it really tough over the past three months. I think we had around nine or ten days out of hospital in the whole time since 19th January. “She’s had septicaemia and pneumonia so for something like

Cinema does more than Bollywood

this to be arranged is hard to describe. We were just so overwhelmed and emotional on the day.” The Lundy family praised the cinema staff who helped organise the day, describing their treatment as ‘customer service done right’. For Ellen Fox, it was a chance to help that she says she couldn’t overlook. “I initially got a call from Michelle explaining the situation and as soon as I heard about Zara I knew we had to do something,” she said. “After pulling some strings with Odeon we were able to arrange the private screening. “We were just trying to make this little effort which can help someone so much and we were delighted to have our princesses on hand as well.”

FRIENDS: Zara was ‘blown away’ by the day and enjoyed talking, singing and playing with the Princesses at the Odeon cinema

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INNOVATIVE: Dr Mohammed Mahdi is one of the researchers behind the project which uses the gel as a way of getting the maximum potential out of medication

NEW: The gel - ‘gellan gum’, already exists in many foodstuffs such as desserts

Not so ‘Hard to swallow’ Innovative gel unleashes medicine’s full potential A pioneering fluid gel, which delays the release of medicines so that they have maximum effect, has been developed right here in West Yorkshire. Scientists at the University of Huddersfield have spearheaded the project which improves the administering of medication to patients who have difficulty swallowing pills and capsules. Unlike purely liquid medicines, the gel delays the release of the drug, so that it releases in the intestines, rather than the stomach, where it is much more effective. The research project is a response to the increasing demand for ‘age appropriate’ drugs for paediatric and geriatric patients. Researchers have investigated the use of a fluid gel made from ‘gellan gum’ - a natural ingredient used mostly in foodstuffs, such as desserts, which has now been revealed to have immense pharmaceutical potential. The gel-based medication consists of microscopic gel particles which collectively are pourable and can be administered with a spoon. In the stomach the ‘fluid gel’ solidifies, so that the drug is not immediately released there – where it would have little effect or even irritate

the stomach – but in the intestine, over the course of several hours. The project that has led to this discovery is headed by Dr Alan Smith, whose lab at the University of Huddersfield specialises in pharmaceutical and biomedical biopolymers research. A member of the team is Iraqi-born PhD researcher Mohammed Mahdi, who is lead author of new articles that describe the potential of gellan gum. Mr Mahdi, from Babylon, is also the author – alongside Dr Smith and Professor Barbara Conway – of a new article that investigates the use of gellan gum in the development of new and more effective nasal sprays. Although the nose has exceptional potential as a route for drug delivery, the natural ways in which the nasal cavity protects itself presents pharmaceutical challenges. It had initially proved difficult to administer medication through the nose yet the scientists have now developed fluid gels with the gellan gum that can be used in standard nasal spray. Dr Mahdi is in the third year of his PhD research into gellan gum. After a first degree in pharmacy, obtained in Jordan, he relocated to the University of Huddersfield for a Master’s course.

Tackling obesity figures in infants

British Pakistani infants consume more chips, sugarsweetened drinks and commercial sweet baby meals than their white British 12month-old counterparts, new research by Leeds Beckett University suggests. The ‘Born in Bradford 1000 Study’, which last month was published in the Public Health Nutrition journal, also uncovered that British Pakistani babies eat much more fruit and less processed meat and, by the age of 18 months, these differences persist. Led by Pinki Sahota, Professor of Nutrition & Childhood Obesity at Leeds Beckett, the study monitored the diets of more than 1,250 young children via a food frequency questionnaire completed by their parents when each child was aged between 12 and 18 months. Due to the smaller numbers of infants from other south Asian ethnic groups within the sample, the results presented were for the two larger groups of participants: white British (38 per cent) and

Pakistani (49 per cent) at 12 months and white British (37 per cent) and Pakistani (49 per cent) at 18 months. Speaking about the findings, Professor Sahota commented: “Our study found that dietary intake during infancy and early

fibre/low fat/low sugar foods to identify the differences between white British and Pakistani populations.” She added: “Childhood obesity is a growing problem internationally and, within the UK, over a fifth of children starting

“Our study found that dietary intake during infancy and early toddlerhood is associated with ethnicity, suggesting the importance of early and culturally-adapted interventions aimed at establishing healthy eating behaviours.” toddlerhood is associated with ethnicity, suggesting the importance of early and culturallyadapted interventions aimed at establishing healthy eating behaviours. “The research - undertaken in Bradford - explored the intake of high fat/high sugar foods and high

school are overweight or obese. “The prevalence of obesity is significantly higher in children of South Asian origin in the UK compared to white British children and the former are also at greater risk of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.”


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Your National and Local Business Round-up

Business news B

‘The after school learning club’

radford has been in the news once again for having one of the lowest attainment rates in schools, ranking second bottom in the national league tables. However, despite the disappointing statistics, one ‘learning afterschool club’ in the city continues to break new ground for academic support and tutoring, as they aim to raise the educational bar in Bradford. Raising Explorers is the only of such ‘clubs’ to be officially partnered to a University and has been preparing pupils from Key Stage One through to Key Stage Four with all their learning needs. Most recently, the GCSE students have been in the spotlight as they sat mock exams following four weeks of support from the Raising Explorers’ experienced and qualified tutors. Khalil Shah, speaking on behalf of the after school club, said the final results had been ‘incredible’. “After just four weeks of support, targeted at these core GCSE subjects, all students showed signs of improvements which is a great indicator for when the real exams come around later this year,” he said. “Our aim here is to provide every student with tailored tutoring to ensure they can achieve the grades they are capable of, and the results already show that our teaching methods are working.

“After just four weeks of support, targeted at these core GCSE subjects, all students showed signs of improvements which is a great indicator for when the real exams come around later this year.” “Bradford may have struggled in the school league tables yet we are doing all we can to make sure these children have the best chances in education.” Raising Explorers became the first ‘learning afterschool club’ to be officially partnered to a University, following an agreement with the University of Bradford last year. The recent GCSE booster sessions were supported and funded by the academic institution which aims to improve each child’s grade by at least one level through high quality teaching and support. As well as tutoring for 5 to 15-year-olds in a host of subjects such as Maths, English and Science, there is also support in religious studies, such as Arabic Tajweed, Arabic Language and Islamic studies from the Ofsted approved childcare centre. Around 150 children currently benefit from the expert after-school care at Raising Explorers and with subsidised fees available for families on tax credits, there has never been a better time to enrol your child as an explorer.

Web: www.raisingexplorers.co.uk

Opening times: Mon-Fri: 3pm-7.30pm Sat-Sun: 10am-3pm Tel: 01274 493 034 Email: FuntoLearn@raisingexplorers.co.uk Find us on FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/RaisingExplorersBradford


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I Drive Prestige Cars A rose by another name I n a previous article we looked at the case of Interflora Inc & Another –vMarks and Spencer plc and Another, in which M&S paid Google AdWords for advertisements for its flower delivery service displayed on the search engine results page when internet users searched for ‘interflora’ (known as keyword advertising). The High Court, using criteria set down by the European Court of Justice, found that M&S had infringed Interflora’s trade marks by using them as keywords. This was because the adverts did not enable the reasonably well informed and reasonably observant internet users to work out (or only with difficulty) if the service referred to in the adverts originated from the trade mark owner; a business connected to it; or a third party. M&S appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal, which overturned the finding of infringement. Whilst it was considered that the High Court had made a number of errors, the Court of Appeal was not in a position to determine whether there had been trademark infringement, having not heard the evidence or examined the documents. Accordingly, the Court of Appeal was obliged to take the unusual step of ordering a re-trial in the High Court. The High Court had taken an incorrect approach in relation to the burden of proof (by holding that the onus lies on the third party advertiser to show there will be no risk of confusion on the part of the average consumer as to the origin of the advertised goods) which was likely to have influenced its assessment of the evidence, which consequently affected the findings in the case. It is for the trade mark holder to show a likelihood of confusion which

damages the trade mark rights. The High Court had also wrongly imported the US doctrine of initial interest confusion. This was an unnecessary and potentially misleading gloss on the tests set down by the European Court. The Court was far from confident that the High Court would have reached the conclusion it did had the errors not been made. The Court upheld the High Court’s finding that it was entitled to have regard to the effect of the advertisements on a significant section of the relevant class of consumers. It did not matter that the majority of consumers were not confused. The relevant question is whether an advertiser has enabled the average consumer to determine the origin of the advertised goods in order to make an informed decision. The key points of the Court of Appeal’s ruling are: • Keyword advertising is not inherently or inevitably objectionable. Rather, it is to be viewed as a fair form of competition • The doctrine of initial interest confusion should not be considered under EU trade mark law • A finding of infringement can be made even if many consumers would not be confused • The burden is on the trade mark owner (and not the third party advertiser) to demonstrate that the advertisement does not enable informed users to ascertain the origin of the goods We at Blacks deal with all aspects of Intellectual Property law, to include claims for Passing Off and Trademark Infringement.

Please contact Luke Patel on 0113 227 9316 or by email at LPatel@LawBlacks.com

G

etting the keys to the car of your dreams could be a lot easier than you think in Dewsbury as a host of prestige motors pull up in the town, all courtesy of IDrive. Established eight years ago by a board of car enthusiasts, the business has grown into one of the most reputable car hire companies in the north of England, boasting an impressive fleet of even more impressive cars. From their flagship Rolls Royce Ghost, to a BMW i8, Mercedes C63, Mercedes Cla45 and Porsche Cayenne, the business’s exclusive vehicles ensure you are spoilt for choice when searching for your idyllic engine. “I-Drive Prestige Motors was set up with one target

in mind – to bring highstatus autos to the heart of West Yorkshire,” the owners explained. “Not only do we own all our cars we rent out, they are all the newest 15-plate models and come with the I-Drive guarantee that you will have heads turning when driving away.” If you opt for the Rolls Royce experience, you are in for a treat as you experience what the word ‘prestige’ truly means. Perfect for group bookings, the car will pull up at your pre-arranged destination before your own personal chauffer provides you with a seamless and comfortable drive from start to finish. Perfect for weddings or proms, and even corporate events and stag dos, each experience is tailored to

your exact requirement so you are always 100 per cent satisfied with the I-Drive service. Meanwhile all other vehicles come with the option of self-drive or a private driver and can even be delivered and picked up at your own front door, taking even less hassle away from what should be a simple booking. I-Drive have also now begun providing everyday 15-plate motors for clients who wish to rent a costefficient motor for any period of time. Two sites are currently operating for the fast growing business and with more luxury cars available now than ever before, there has never been a better way to drive away the IDrive way.

2 Commercial Road, Dewsbury, WF13 2BD Tel: 07598 606 536 / 07816 601 200 Web: idrive-prestigecars.co.uk Opening times: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm


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New Look Shop Fronts Supplying shop fronts, shutters and signs

F

irst impressions are everything in life, from business meetings to social occasions and the same precedent exists for companies across the world. Thankfully for businesses in Yorkshire, New Look Shop Fronts are on hand to give your premises the ‘draw factor’ needed to ensure customers keep coming through the door, time and time again. Having worked with

numerous national retailers, as well as local sole traders, the business has grown rapidly since opening around two years ago. Owner, Sabbi Deol, has been working in the industry for more than a decade and explained why he wanted to bring his services to Bradford. “Previously I used to work in a family-run store front business in London which was really successful,” he explained. “However, my home has

always been Bradford and I knew that this trade was missing in the city so I took the decision to open New Look Shop Fronts up here. “The response so far has been fantastic, with everything from local shops to restaurants, and even bookmakers signing up to use our services.” Every shop front design is bespoke, meaning no two jobs are the same. This gives New Look a unique selling point

Business

against any competitors, with each design developed onsite at the spacious warehouse. “We try to meet every single one of our client’s requirements and as such, offer designs tailored to exact specifications,” Mr Deol added. Every part of the manufacturing process, including entrance doors, the shop front and shutters, are created in-house meaning business owners only need to contact one supplier when setting up or refurbishing their store. Roller shutters act as a

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deterrent against crime and can not only be supplied by New Look but designed to your specification and installed in steel or aluminium, spring loaded or electrically operated. Perforated punch hole and grille style designs allow greater protection whilst still allowing people to view through the shop window. So, if you want to give your shop front the ‘New Look’ it warrants, contact Bradford’s number one manufacturers today and see the difference a good impression can really make.

97 Garnett Street, Bradford,BD3 9HB Tel: 01274 447 901 Mob: 07984 323 191 Web: www.newlookshopfront.co.uk

Iconic eatery continues to serve up first class service

Food revolution O

ne of West Yorkshire’s fastest growing takeaways is continuing to expand its delicious reach across the world as it plans to open sites across the UK...and even in China. The iconic Rajas, with four icons, has been raising industry standards since it first opened its doors in Bradford, bringing new levels of service to fast food outlets. With interactive payment systems, high scoring hygiene ratings and an expansive food production unit, the company continues to go from strength-tostrength in every area. However, director, Rashid Bashir, says he wants the public to be aware that there are a number of businesses with the same name, yet only at his ‘four icons Rajas’ can he guarantee exceptional service and quality. “Here at four icons Rajas, we pride ourselves on our customer service,” he said. “There are a number of competitors out there with the same name yet they do not come close to our level. “Whilst the name ‘Rajas’ may have appeared in the news previously for all the wrong reasons, you can rest assured that it was not one of our establishments. “You will not find this business

BUSINESS: Rajas director, Rashid Bashir, has seen the company grow across the North of England and ensures the quality of each new site is as high as the last

fined for hygiene failings or anything like that. The last time the four icons Rajas was in the news was after signing our sponsorship deal with the Bradford Bulls. “The community is very important to us and therefore our investment in our local team, is much like our investment in our stores – all with the purpose of benefitting the community.” Upon entering a four icons Rajas establishment is clear to see that investment has been made to ensure the premises stand out from the crowd. Spacious dining areas in modern interiors glisten, whilst open kitchens allow the customers to see their meals prepared right in front of them. So, with more stores opening all the time, make sure you head to the right Rajas when ordering your next delicious dinner.

“There are a number of competitors out there with the same name yet they do not come close to our level.”


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A taste to savour in Wakefield

Trinity Shisha Lounge A

new craze is overtaking Wakefield which tastes as good as it smells, as Trinity Shisha Lounge brings a whole new flavour to the thriving city. Opened just last month, the lounge is located on Trinity Walk, making it the perfect place to relax after a busy day’s shopping or kick back as part of your night out on the renowned Wakefield cobbles. Eighteen different flavours of shisha are available, alongside an array of milkshakes, desserts and exciting mocktails, all of which are prepared in house and served up generously by the accommodating staff. Owners, Abid Hussain and Shukran Riaz were both born and raised in Wakefield and after travelling to the shisha capitals of the world in Egypt and Morocco, they decided to bring just a taste of that experience ‘back home’. “No longer do people have to travel to Leeds or Bradford for a quality shisha cafe as Trinity Lounge brings this exciting concept to the heart of Wakefield,” they said. “Nothing like this has been available here before and the response over the three weeks we have been open has

been amazing with so many people eager to try out some exciting flavours. “We were packed for the Mayweather Pacquiao fight and as word of mouth has spread, we continue to see more and more new faces coming through the doors.” Amongst the array of shisha flavours available at Trinity are ten specialities which are bound to provide you with that smooth experience you are looking for. Customers can opt for flavours as diverse as Berrylicious – combining berry, blueberry and mint for the sweet tooth’s out there, to

White Magic – infusing vanilla and coconut with a hint of gum for a smooth satisfying experience. There is even the opportunity to create your own unique shisha by combining up to three base flavours together, allowing a personalised touch to your visit. Every shisha purchased is for two people and can be enjoyed on the spacious roof terrace, equipped with all the heating and lighting facilities needed to keep you comfortable at Trinity. So, whether you want to organise a group booking, relax after a day of shopping, or chill on a night out with friends, Trinity Shisha Lounge is the perfect setting for all these occasions and more.

Trinity Walk, Wakefield, WF1 1QW Opening Times: Mon-Thur: 5pm-12am Fri-Sun: 5pm-late For bookings please contact Trinity Shisha Lounge on 07706 211 487


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Aftermath of Trojan Horse scandal TARGETED: Despite no findings of extremism in Birmingham schools after the alleged Trojan horse plot, which suggested infiltration of extreme Islamists ideology, threats continue to be made towards Muslims

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Dead animals including dismembered cats hung on the gates of schools and playground areas

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NOW OFFICIALLY THE

TASTIER, HEALTHIER Aftermath of Trojan Horse scandal Schools are still facing intimidation in the wake of the Trojan Horse scandal, including dead animals in the playground and even death threats, it has been claimed. Headteachers argued that the problems raised by the alleged plot had ‘not gone away’ with some schools feeling pressure from outside over issues such as teaching against homophobia. Four separate investigations were conducted into the alleged Trojan Horse plot by hardline Muslims to seize control of a number of school governing boards in Birmingham. While no evidence of radicalisation was found, the findings did raise concerns that in some cases, governors had exerted inappropriate influence over how schools were run. At the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) annual conference on 5th May, delegates raised concerns that no school governor implicated in the scandal has been investigated or banned, and called for a database of individuals removed from governing bodies. Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson, head of Anderton Park School in Birmingham, told the conference: "Trojan Horse has not gone away. Those of us who were involved, we knew it was the tip of the iceberg. We still have dead animals hung on the gates of schools, dismembered cats on playgrounds. We have petitions outside schools, objecting to teachers teaching against homophobia." Speaking after a debate on the issue, Ms Hewitt-Clarkson said she was not aware of other death threats, adding that she knew about one school, which had found a dismembered cat in the playground, while another had a dog hanging from the railings. She said she does not know why this is happening, suggesting it may be to intimidate people or could be an accident. The union backed a resolution raising concerns that the recommendations of the Government-commissioned Clarke report into the Trojan Horse scandal have not been fully implemented. NAHT member Alison Marshall told the conference: "Nine months after the Clarke report was published, with recommendations so clearly stated, very strong evidence given by our members and colleagues, we are still a long way from implementing those recommendations.

Dead animals including dismembered cats hung on the gates of schools and playground areas "Nicky Morgan stated in January that the Government had accepted every one of Peter Clarke's recommendations. We need to exert pressure to ensure that these recommendations are truly delivered, not in a superficial way and certainly not watered down." Ms Marshall later added: "Despite all the evidence we have, we're faced with a situation where not one single governor implicated in the Trojan Horse scandal, has been investigated or even banned. "Where is the justice in that?" Ms Hewitt-Clarkson told delegates: "All the behaviours and things we saw before are still there. So to have promises that have been broken, not followed through, are absolutely unhelpful, unsupportive and have left open gaps for certain individuals to start up again." The union specifically raised concerns that recommendations in the Clarke report around limiting the number of governing bodies one person can sit on, and preventing certain individuals from being involved in running schools have not been acted on. Delegate Tim Gallagher said that because governors are volunteers, there is limited legislation in the area. He told the conference it is ‘blindingly obvious’ that in a ‘loose, largely unregulated framework’ inappropriate behaviour can be found in the governance of schools. "It does not need to be as profoundly dangerous as that found in Birmingham, it can be the micro-managing of a school to the detriment of our members and the school itself," he said. Mr Gallagher told the conference: "We need high quality, mandatory governor training. We need to regulate the number of governing body posts any one individual can hold. We need a database of governors and we need to be able to keep a check of the suitability of governors." Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, who was not present for the debate, said: "There is no place for extremism in our schools and we continue, absolutely, to work to eliminate any form of extremism." The Government has been working with local schools and Birmingham City council to ensure there is not a repeat of the scandal, which hit the city's schools last year.

ALTERNATIVE

Dhesi Grill S I M P L Y

D H E S I R A B L E

Tel: 01274 786550 29-31 Lilycroft Road • Bradford • BD9 5AD

®


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Top Gear in more trouble over use of derogatory word

The probe goes on… Well as Jeremy Clarkson continues to give the media a good run for a story, it now appears that Top Gear could be heading for more trouble after communications watchdog Ofcom confirmed it was investigating a complaint over the use of the word ‘pikey’. A representative of the Traveller Movement complained after a scene in which the show's now ex-host Jeremy Clarkson was seen holding a placard with the words ‘Pikey’s Peak’ while Richard Hammond drove a car up a mountain. It comes after a similar complaint was lodged with the BBC but eventually not upheld. The BBC Trust ruling in March cleared Clarkson of racism and its

editorial standards committee (ESC) concluded the word had been used to mean ‘cheap’, rather than as a term of racist or ethnic abuse. Speaking at the time, a spokesman for the Traveller Movement said they were ‘horrified’ by the ‘BBC's greenlighting of the use of the word’, It is not the first time the controversial motoring show - and its former presenters - have run into trouble. Clarkson had to apologise when unscreened footage emerged of him mumbling the ‘n-word’ while reciting the children's nursery rhyme ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe’ to choose between two cars and the show was also censured by Ofcom for breaching broadcasting rules after Clarkson

used a ‘racial’ term during the programme's Burma special. Last year ended with the motoring show's crew forced to flee Argentina when it emerged they were using a Porsche with the registration number H982 FKL, which some people suggested could refer to the Falklands conflict of 1982. Since then, Clarkson has left the show when the BBC allowed his contract to run down after an internal investigation found he attacked show producer Oisin Tymon in an unprovoked assault. His co-stars, Hammond and James May, are believed to have also left the show, along with producer Andy Wilman, and are expected to launch a rival show with another broadcaster.

Suspended two days before elections The anti-European Union UK Independence Party suspended one of its parliamentary candidates on Tuesday, two days before Britain's national election, for threatening to ‘put a bullet’ in his Conservative rival.

The Daily Mirror said Robert Blay, a UKIP candidate in the southern county of Hampshire, made the comment to an investigative reporter while discussing the possibility his local Conservative opponent, Ranil Jayawardena, could one

day become Britain's first prime minister of Asian origin. “If this lad turns up to be our prime minister, I will personally put a bullet in him. That's how strong I feel about it,” said Blay, whose comments were caught on video.

A UKIP spokesman said: “The views expressed by Mr Blay are abhorrent. As soon as they were brought to our attention he was suspended from the party.” Blay, the latest in a line of UKIP politicians to be disciplined for racist or sexist comments, said he ‘absolutely loathed’ Jayawardena, whom he described with an obscene epithet, and added was ‘not British enough to be in our parliament’.


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‘First Class’ ticket to jail A student has been jailed for four months after he used keylogging devices to hack into an exams grading system at the University of Birmingham and improved his grades. Imran Uddin used four of the devices on university computers to capture login details from members of staff - including one who had access to the system that kept records of his grades. The 25-year-old then logged into the system using the details he had obtained and upped his marks from being on course for a 2.2 result to what would have been a first class degree. However, the biochemistry student was found out when staff located one of the small, black, rectangular devices inside a computer. Staff launched an internal investigation and found three more - including one attached to a machine in a secure area of the campus only accessible to staff. Police were called and detectives from the Regional Cyber Crime Unit were able to decipher the data he had collected and found Uddin had been logging in using staff details to better his grades. Appearing at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday Uddin, of Chesterton Road in Balsall Heath, pleaded guilty to six offences under Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Computer Misuse Act. Detective Constable Mark Bird, from the Regional Cyber Crime Unit, said: “The audacity of Uddin

Uni student behind bars for hacking grading systems

to install not just one but four of these devices showed how determined he was to cheat his way to a better degree. His false qualification could have seen him go on to research medical treatments. “The seriousness of his crimes

were reflected in the four-month prison sentence he was handed at court yesterday (23rd April).” The Regional Cyber Crime Unit is part of the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit which is committed to tackling organised crime across the region.

HACKED: The biochemistry student hacked four computers on campus in total

GUILTY: Imran Uddin was on track to achieve a 2:2 grade yet after hacking the university’s computer systems, changed his projected grading to a First Class degree

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Parents ‘pull’ children from mosque visit

‘Missed golden opportunity’ VISIT: Some children from Lostwithiel School were told they would not be attending an organised trip to Exeter Mosque because of their parent’s ‘concerns’

The Lord Mayor of Exeter has warned parents who took their children out of a scheduled trip to a mosque in the city, that they are keeping them away from a ‘golden opportunity’. A handful of children from Lostwithiel School, in Cornwall, have been withdrawn from the scheduled visit which was to be made in accordance with their Religious Education (RE) lesson. According to Cornwall Council, there had been some worries from parents about terrorist groups such as IS and their affiliation with Islam. Kat Smith, the chairman of governors, said the school was taking a proactive approach to speaking with parents who have

voiced their concerns. “Because of recent news reports about extremist groups, such as ISIS, that identify themselves with Islam, a small number of parents have expressed concerns about the trip and the teaching of Islam in school,” she said. “In response, the school held a special assembly with children to discuss these issues, and the head teacher has met and sent letters to parents with specific concerns.” Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Percy Prowse, added that it would be the children who were the ones missing out after the ‘far from the truth’ statements. “To make such an assertion, particularly regarding the Exeter Mosque, is about as far from the

truth as you can get,” he said. “It is a wonderful place. It is full of children and toddlers playing, education classes and people going in to pray as they would in any church. “Police statistics also show that Exeter is one of the safest cities in the UK . “By keeping their children away they are missing a golden opportunity to see this wonderful city.” Lostwithiel School follows the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus for RE and as such teaches about Christianity in the greatest detail, whilst other religions, such as Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism, are taught through trips and class teaching.


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Mayor ousted after ‘Corrupt Practice’ Election season extends in Tower Hamlets

The election of a London mayor will be re-run after the previous polling was declared void by a judge with allegations of corruption and illegal practices found to be true in the voting process. Lutfur Rahman, the first Mayor of Tower Hamlets in the 2010 elections, regained his seat in May 2014 as a representative of the independent party - Tower Hamlets First. However, that result has now been voided by an Election Court judge who found Rahman guilty of playing ‘race’ and ‘religious’ cards in his election drive. Election Commissioner Richard Mawrey, also ordered Rahman to pay

£250,000 in costs on the same charges with a re-election set to be staged in the upcoming months, which the former mayor cannot stand in. “[Mr Rahman ran a] ruthless and dishonest campaign to convince electorate his rival John Biggs was a racist,” Mr Mawrey said. Mr Biggs himself commented after the ruling that it was ‘a victory for honest politics’. “By setting out to break the rules and going to extraordinary lengths to win last May's mayoral election, Lutfur Rahman and his allies robbed the people of Tower Hamlets of the free and fair mayoral election they deserved and betrayed

everyone in our community who trusted and voted for him,” the Labour politician said. Rahman insisted that there was ‘little evidence’ of any wrongdoing and his lawyers also voiced their disbelief at the verdict branding the claims an ‘invention’, ‘exaggeration’ and ‘in some cases downright deliberately false allegations’. In a statement, Tower Hamlets First added: “Today's judgment has come as a shock - the Mayor strongly denies any wrongdoing and had full confidence in the justice system, and so this result has been surprising to say the least.”

GUILTY: The now former mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, will not be allowed to run in the re-election

stars Week starting 8/5/15 ARIES

SNEH JOSHI

March 21st - April 20th

The Sun highlights your second house now, and your focus is on material affairs and comfort issues. Security is a driving force for you at the moment, and you might find that you are especially interested in accumulating possessions. Venus is spending some time in desires sector in your Solar 3rd house. Personal and social contacts will be successful.

TAURUS

April 21st - May 21th

Financial, work, and practical matters improve. You have a good sense for how much to invest and where. Conditions are favorable for raises, loans, support, and taxes. Venus is illuminating your communications sector now, suggesting "busy-ness" and movement. You are exploring and searching now, making connections, and paying attention to your immediate environment.

GEMINI

May 22nd - June 21st

The Sun is now transiting through your twelfth house, marking a time of retreat and regeneration. It's a time for reflection, dreaming, and recharging your batteries. Your disposition is introspective. Your career ruler Jupiter transits you solar house of communications, during this cycle, you are most charming and well-received by your work colleagues.

CANCER

with

June 22nd - July 22st

While Mercury transits the twelfth house of your solar chart, your mind is focused on private matters. This is a time when you are searching for answers. This is a good time for research, quiet contemplation and meditation. You are likely to require a certain amount of solitude in order to get your thoughts together or to be mentally productive.

LEO

Telephone: 0208 518 5500 July 23st - August 23rd

Now that Mars is opposite your solar 4th house, for you this can be a difficult period with family. Watch for passive-aggressive behavior. The Sun illuminates your career sector. This is the time when you are more interested in, and focused on, your profession. Recognition is likely to come your way and do what you feel is right.

VIRGO

August 24th - September 23rd

Venus is transiting your solar eleventh house. It's a sociable sector of your chart, and that's exactly how you are feeling. There will be lots of networking going on and this will pay off in the long run. Sun graces your solar ninth house. Routine affairs simply don't seem to satisfy you. You receive pleasure from anything that expands your horizons, both physically and mentally.

LIBRA

September 24th - October 23rd

It is a particularly favourable time for dealing with financial interests with a long-term basis, such as investments, insurance and pension schemes, legacies and all jointly held resources. There may be a certain amount of unfinished business to be dealt with. Therefore you will need to adopt a fairly flexible policy in order to accommodate the odd twists and turns of everyday life.

SCORPIO

October 24th - November 22nd

It's a great time to make improvements to your regular routines. Your ruling planet Mars is in your opposite sign of relationships. Old resentments, hurts, and angers can resurface. There can be lowered vitality due to emotional frustrations and exasperation. This is a time for learning about how your mental health impacts your life.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23rd - December 21st

Overall, you are likely to feel more introspective. It's not that you lack confidence, but you are looking for answers from within. Mercury continues to transit your opposite house. This is an excellent time for relationships, so that you can make necessary changes in your personal environment. The need to communicate, is especially strong now.

CAPRICORN

December 22nd - January 20th

The Sun is now highlighting your solar 5th house. This is a cycle in which you seek a higher meaning to your life and do anything that broadens your mind. Venus is gracing your solar seventh house. This is a good time to Smooth out your personal relationships. If single, this is a period when you are more willing than normal to enter into a committed relationship.

AQUARIUS

January 21st - February 19th

Avoid lending any money unless you're entirely certain you'll get it back, or if you can take the loss. It's a good time for re-assessing your budget, and try not to spend money on big purchases. Venus graces your solar sixth house now. A good time to establish a happy and harmonious work environment through friendly relations with co-workers.

PISCES

February 20th - March 20th

Saturn is now retrograde in your solar 10th house, and this is likely to cause some disruptions and frustrations in your professional life. Work on coming to compromises and agreements. All Saturn retrograde cycles also affect you in the areas of home, family, security, and domestic activities because Saturn is opposite your Solar 4th house.


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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Sallu in trouble India court suspends Bollywood star Khan’s jail term Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's five-year prison sentence for killing a homeless man with his SUV after a night out drinking 13 years ago has been suspended pending an appeal. The actor was on Wednesday 6th May found guilty at a sessions court of culpable homicide and other charges for driving his vehicle into a group of homeless men sleeping rough in suburban Mumbai in 2002. He was convicted of all charges, including driving while under the influence of alcohol and without a licence, and was sentenced to five years in prison but released on bail for two days. On Friday, lawyers for 49-yearold Khan argued at the city's High Court that their client's conviction should be overturned. Judge Abhay Thipsay ruled the sentence would be suspended until an appeal was heard, expected to be in July, and set new bail terms for the film icon. "The defence has raised pertinent points about the evidence presented by the prosecution which need consideration," the judge said. "Also, the points based on which

the culpable homicide conviction was passed needs examination," he added. "It is not a case where the applicant is likely to abscond and both parties have no objection to hearing an appeal in a fast manner so the sentence is suspended until an appeal is disposed." The judge told a packed courtroom that the multimillionaire, who was not present at Friday's hearing, must post bail of 30,000 rupees (£303). Khan's lawyer Amit Desai said: "The prosecution has not established beyond doubt that it was my client who was driving that night." Khan's trial began in earnest last year after a series of court hearings and lengthy legal hold-ups. During the proceedings, Khan's defence team had argued the actor's driver was to blame for the September 2002 hit-and-run, which killed one man and injured several others after mounting the pavement in the suburb of Bandra West.

Continued on page 66

CELEB IN TROUBLE: A court has suspended Salman Khan’s five year prison sentence for the famous hit and run case 13 years ago


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Sallu in trouble

SUPPORT: Crowds turned out in their thousands in a show of compassion for the bollywood icon

Continued from page 65 They claimed the actor had been drinking water and had climbed out of the car through the driver's side after the accident as the passenger side door had been damaged. But Judge D.W. Deshpande on Wednesday rejected the claim after survivors of the crash testified that Khan was driving the vehicle when it ploughed at speed into the men sleeping on the street near a bakery. One of the sleeping labourers injured in the accident said in his statement that ‘Salman was so drunk he fell’. The body-building actor is no stranger to controversy and spent more than a week behind bars for killing an endangered Indian gazelle in 1998. He has starred in more than 100 films and television shows since his first hit ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ (I Fell in Love) in the 1980s. Khan became the second big-name Bollywood actor to be sentenced to jail in the last two years. Sanjay Dutt, the star of a series of gangster movies, is behind bars over possession of weapons linked to several bombings in Mumbai in 1993. The High Court is to reconvene again on 15th June to set a date for the appeal hearing.

India court suspends Bollywood star Khan's jail term


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Pakistan MI-17 helicopter crash kills foreign ambassadors A Pakistan military helicopter carrying diplomats to the launch of projects in northern Pakistan crashed on Friday 8th May killing six people. A total of eleven foreigners and six Pakistanis were on board the MI17 helicopter. The ambassadors of Norway and the Philippines including the wives of the ambassadors of Malaysia and Indonesia are amongst those killed in the crash. The military helicopter crashed during an emergency landing in the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan territory. Many of the injured were taken to a military hospital in Gilgit for treatment. They were travelling to attend the opening of a tourism project in Gilgit. The cause of the crash is unclear. Military spokesman Asim Bajwa confirmed the deaths of Norwegian envoy Leif Larsen and Domingo Lucenario of the Philippines in a post on Twitter. He said five others were injured, including the Polish and Dutch ambassadors. The helicopter reportedly hit a building belonging to an army school in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is not yet known whether there are any casualties on the ground. It was one of three helicopters ferrying a delegation of foreign diplomats for the inauguration of a

chairlift project built by the air force for tourists. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was scheduled to inaugurate the facility, but his aircraft turned back from Gilgit after reports of the

crash. The chairlift project was reportedly completed more than six months ago, but its inauguration was delayed due to Prime Minister Sharif's other commitments.

PAKISTAN: Soldiers stand guard outside a military hospital where victims of a helicopter crash were brought for treatment in Gilgit

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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS

MORSI sentenced to 20 years Former president turns prisoner after court ruling Egypt’s first democratically elected leader should be preparing to defend his seat in an election next year yet instead now finds himself spending the next 20 years behind bars. Mohamed Morsi was elected president of Egypt in June 2012. His reign in charge of the nation was shortlived however, as just over one year later he was overthrown by the army on allegations of terror offences whilst in office. Last week, he appeared in front of a high court with other members of his now banned Muslim Brotherhood Party, where he received a sentencing of 20 years without the chance of parole. Morsi stood in a cage in court as judge Ahmed Sabry Youssef read out the ruling against him and 12 other party members, as the sentencing was broadcast live on state television. The men were convicted on charges of violence, kidnapping and torture stemming from the killing of protesters during demonstrations in 2012 yet were acquitted of murder charges, which carry the death sentence.

His sentencing was not warmly received by many international bodies as Egypt’s democratic elections come into question. White House press secretary, Josh Earnest, said the US was ‘concerned’ about the sentencing and said everyone has the right to a fair trial.

described the ruling as ‘a travesty of justice’ that ‘shatters any remaining illusion of independence and impartiality in Egypt’s criminal justice system’. Morsi has always protested his innocence and says he is determined to reverse what he calls a military coup against him in 2013 staged by thenarmy chief, now president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Amr Darrag, a Morsi-era minister, said the Brotherhood would remain a powerful force, with younger members

“All Egyptians regardless of political affiliation are entitled to equal and fair treatment before the law, including full respect to their rights to due process.” “All Egyptians regardless of political affiliation are entitled to equal and fair treatment before the law, including full respect to their rights to due process,” Earnest said. “Mr Morsi, like all other defendants must be afforded the basic legal right of due process. And the United States continues to be opposed to politicized arrests and detentions.” Meanwhile, Amnesty International

taking up leadership roles made vacant by the state's crackdown. “The overall attitude of the Brotherhood [is] more revolutionary because the generation taking it over is young and more revolutionary and they saw what kind of an Egypt we'd have if they don't do what they have to do,” he told Reuters in an interview in Istanbul.

JAIL: Mohamed Morsi will spend 20 years behind bars on charges of violence, kidnapping and the killing of protestors


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• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Malala attackers JAILED Ten sentenced after first convictions since 2012 Ten men were jailed for 25 years each earlier this week for their involvement in the highlypublicised shooting of teenage activist Malala Yousafzai in 2012. The now 17-year-old was targeted by Taliban militants as she spoke out about the rights to education for girls in Pakistan. She

was shot in the back of the head as she travelled home from her school in the northwest capital of Islamabad. Last week on Thursday 30th April, the group of men were convicted for their roles in the shooting at an anti-terrorism court. They are the first people to

be convicted for the attack. “Judge Mohammad Amin Kundi in his verdict gave 25 years jail to all of these people,” said a court official in Swat. Following the attack, Malala was seriously wounded and airlifted to Britain for treatment, where she now lives. Two other schoolgirls were also wounded. Since then, the teenager has become a symbol of defiance in the fight against militants operating in ethnic Pashtun areas in northwest Pakistan and was rewarded for her work most notably with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. A security official said none of the four or five men who carried out the attack on Malala were among the 10 men sentenced on Thursday. “But certainly they had a role in the planning and execution of the assassination attempt on Malala,” said a police official in Swat who declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media. Police believe the gunman who shot Malala escaped across the border into Afghanistan, whilst several others, including Pakistani Taliban leader Fazlullah, are still wanted in connection with the attack. Fazlullah, a fiery preacher from Swat, is also believed to be hiding out in eastern Afghanistan. Malala is unable to return to her homeland because of Taliban threats to kill her and her family members.

JUSTICE: Malala has been an advocate for women’s rights to education since she was shot in the head by Taliban militants in 2012


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Entertainment

Entertainment THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRITY NEWS FROM BOLLYWOOD & HOLLYWOOD

Icons of music join forces Taz of Stereo Nation, Apache Indian and Bally Sagoo make a ‘Pretty Baby’

'TAB' is the super-group that the world has been waiting for, combining the three biggest names in the Asian music industry for the past three decades. Undoubtedly, legends in their own right, TAB brings together the powerful vocals of Taz, the man behind Stereo Nation, the reggae vibes of ‘raggamuffin king’ Apache Indian and the master-mixer Bally Sagoo. 'Pretty Baby', the first track to be released by the music icons under their new identity, is a Punjabi dancehall anthem that showcases the talents of the three musical maestros to the max. With Taz's Punjabi vibes interspersed with Apache Indian’s signature ragga-stylings and the unmistakable magic touch of producer Bally Sagoo, ‘Pretty Baby’ is guaranteed to set the charts alight. For decades the three icons of the

industry have set their own musical agendas, and always been at the forefront of their respective musical genres. The combination of these three undisputed talents is sure to not only shake up the music scene, but also show that quality collaborations can be genius in their own right. Taz, Apache and Bally have between them sold millions of albums globally. Taz has been described as the Pioneer of Pop Fusion and the “Prince of Crossover”. He was also the first British Asian to break down the doors of Bollywood as a music director and has enjoyed success in the British Top 40 charts with 'Laila' and 'Don't Break My Heart'. Having had multi-platinum selling albums including ‘Hit the Deck’, ‘Spirits of Rhythm’, ‘Jambo’, ‘Slave II Fusion’, ‘Oh Laila’, ‘Tazmania’ and ‘Jawani On The Rocks’ to name

but a few. His music also featured in the Hollywood movie ‘New York Minute’. Apache Indian probably best known globally for his mega hit ‘Boom Shak-A-Lak’, also has a huge amount of albums to his name including ‘No Reservations’, ‘Make Way For The Indian’, ‘Wild East’, ‘Karma’, ‘Time for Change’, ‘Sadhu – The Movement’, ‘Home Run’ and more recently ‘It Is What It Is’ amongst others. His music has featured in countless TV commercials and films including ‘Dumb and Dumber’ (both one and two). Bally Sagoo created waves with his early albums ‘Wham Bam’ 1 and 2 as well as ‘Essential Ragga’, ‘Star Crazy’, ‘Bollywood Flashback’ 1 & 2, ‘Future Shock’ and so many others. He was instrumental in bringing the voice of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to the ears of the

British Asian masses and also provided music for a number of films including ‘Bend It Like Beckham’, ‘Mistress of Spices’ and ‘Monsoon Wedding’. Pretty Baby and TAB is truly a coming together of both talent and creativity and talking about the collaboration, Apache Indian commented: “This has been an amazing and truly exciting new path for all of us. “The three of us grew up in parallel in the industry, and amazingly never had the opportunity to work together. But the truth is the time and the mojo has to be right – and I think that this is the time for TAB – we’ve taken all of our experiences and put them into a great creative pot to create this fantastic new sound that is fresh, dynamic and well worth the wait.” Taz added: "I had thought about doing something like this some time

ago but getting the three of us together in one place has been really difficult as we are always in different parts of the world. I finally managed it and we just jammed in a studio together and we knew the vibe was right and the rest is history." Bally summed it up: "The funny thing was that a lot of people thought Apache and I were enemies and that we hated each other or something. “That's so far from the truth. The reality is that we actually never even met till we got into the studio to record as TAB. So this new collaboration will come as a shock to many people.” The track is supported by a superb video, shot in their hometown of Birmingham and directed by former actor-turned-director Ameet Chana (Eastenders, Bend It Like Beckham).

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Entertainment

“Dream Girl”

May 2015 - 1st Edition

High Profile for Tymore... ‘High Profile’ is the debut single from Tymore, a young man who hails from the streets of the Netherlands. This is his debut single and features none other than Sama Blake who stormed the music scene with his

single ‘Sniper’ followed by ‘Bottom’. ‘High Profile’ has a hard-hitting hiphop electro vibe. A unique track with strong catchy lyrics produced by Hakan Ozan is already proving popular not just with the Asian listeners but is also receiving

London lawyer works with Rishi Rich to deliver serene fusion music

Rishi Rich delivers yet another amazing song in the form of 'Dream' with a beauty behind the vocals. South Indian born Serena Kern, who despite currently having a high flying career as a lawyer in a top London firm, still finds time to do her daily voice exercises! Growing up listening to many Rishi Rich productions, she decided to get in touch with him and having heard her voice and ideas, she found herself in a studio in Atlanta with the man himself creating her new EP 'Dream'. Serena says: "I have always liked to experiment with sounds from various cultures. Rishi is a master of fusion music and this EP has a particularly strong Indian flavour and theme throughout, from instruments to other featured vocalists on the tracks.” She adds: "The title track is ‘Dream’. It's an upbeat song and a throw back to my teenage years. I think the sound we created in this track is completely new and different to anything else out there and I am particularly excited about this one". There are four songs on the EP: "Emotion filled 'Burn' is about having to let go and move on in life. 'Chase the Sun' and 'Dream' are very upbeat tracks, evoking images of youth and summer, joy, young love and striving for happiness against the odds. 'Run Away' (which features Kiran Dhanoa) is a portrayal of the struggle in a relationship for control and it is an emotion packed track.” Serena is from Tamil Nadu and is half Swiss. Consuming various genres of music, it wasn't until she got to university and began singing at open mic sessions that she discovered how in love with music she really was! Singing mainly cover versions, she quickly realised that she wasn't able to connect with the songs and decided to give songwriting a try. She explains: "In a way you are opening up very intimate aspects of your life as a songwriter. Once I started writing, I found that it immediately had an impact on my singing as it became more believable and I was able to have an emotional impact on the audience. It was from there that my music took off. “People always ask me how I balance law and music and whether I find time for my music. “My answer is that no matter what, music is a huge part of my life. There is not a single day that goes by that I am not doing something

music related, whether it be writing a new song, practicing for a gig or doing my voice exercises. “Music is an intricate part of my life, an outlet that influences and feeds off other aspects of my life. My mother is an artist and to some extent I feel I do with words what she does with her art!”

“People always ask me how I balance law and music and whether I find time for my music.”

mainstream play across Europe! Tymore says: “I've waited a long time for this moment. Music and singing is something I have always enjoyed and I have been working on it for quite a while now. I felt it was finally the time that people were

introduced to something new and different. Working with the talented Sama Blake and Hakan Ozan was a real honour, I'm very excited for everyone to hear my debut single and appreciate all love and support".


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Entertainment

May 2015 - 1st Edition

Akshay Kumar talks about ‘Gabbar is Back’ and what makes him tick The latest Bollywood blockbuster to hit cinema screens this year is ‘Gabbar is Back’, which follows the story of a corrupt city being tackled by an army of vigilantes, led of course by Akshay Kumar. After a freak incident causes Professor Gabbar Singh Rajput (Kumar) to lose everything he holds dear, he is dismayed to discover corruption at every level of society and a system that doesn't seem to care. Deciding to take matters in his own hands, he establishes a military network called the Anti-Corruption Force (ACF) to target corrupt individuals from all walks of life. Taking time out of his schedule to discuss the film, the Khiladi star spoke with the Asian Express about what film fans can expect from his latest role. Q: Tell us something about the film. A: ‘Gabbar Is Back’ is directed by ‘Krish’ and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and is the Hindi remake of Tamil film ‘Ramana’ and based on the story of corruption. I am playing the character of ACP Gabbar, who turns leader for a vigilante group and is en-route to end corruption in the city. It’s releasing on 1st May 2015 and also stars Shruti Hassan and Prakash Jha. Q: Is it inspired by the character of Gabbar in the famous movie Sholay? A: No. Gabbar is the hero in the film and a vigilante, who takes it in his own hands to put an end to crime and injustice. Both the characters are very different. Q: What motivates you to do a movie like this? A: I did ‘Gabbar is Back’ because of corruption. I am alarmed by the crime rates in India and even calculated the amount of money

gathered due to scams, to add up to 12 trillion dollars. I compared the crime rates between India and other countries and the numbers in India are astonishing. Crime rates are low in countries such as the UAE due to strict law enforcement, which isn’t the case in India. So you need a name like Gabbar, who may behave like a villain but his actions are of a hero. Q: You are famous as the “King of Action” in Bollywood. Are you going to take action sequences to the next level in this movie? A: The film is centered more around delivering a message, rather than action sequences. Most of the instances in the movie are inspired by real life events. Q: Are you doing any special songs for Gabbar? A: Yes, I am doing one special soulful song called ‘Teri Meri Kahani’ with Kareena Kapoor Khan, which happens to be the first song to be launched for this film. The song will take viewers through the emotional journey of the

couple making itself indispensable to the overall narrative of the film. Q: What’s it like working with Kareena Kapoor Khan? A: Bebo has been an integral part of my career. We’ve done many movies together and one can only hope we have many more to come. She is everything one could ever ask in a Bollywood actress. She will always know how deeply I appreciate her effort and expertise. I’m sure viewers are going to love her in this song. She has brought a kindness to our film like no other. We love working with each other. We had a great time while shooting for the song.

alongside Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez. It’s the official remake of 2011 Hollywood movie ‘Warrior’ and based on the story of two estranged brothers, whose entrance into the mixed martial arts tournament forces them to come to terms with their past and each other. After this, I will have ‘Singh is Bliing’, a fantastic action comedy directed by Prabhu Deva and produced under my production company Grazing Goat Pictures. I am joined on screen by the very talented actresses Lara Dutta and Amy Jackson. We will shoot in Patiala, Punjab for this movie.

Q: Tell us about working with costar Shruti Hassan? A: I am working with her for the first time. She is playing my love interest in this movie. She is a beautiful, professional and talented actress.

In Jan 2016 I have ‘Airlift’ releasing, which is based on the invasion of Kuwait. I am playing the role of Ranjit Katiyal, an Indian-Arab billionaire who plans an ambitious evacuation mission to rescue 170,000 Indians in Kuwait during the Iraq invasion.

Q: Tell us about your new film projects? A: My upcoming films include ‘Brothers’, which sees me star

Q: Action and comedy films have been your forte so far. Do you have any unusual projects coming up?

A: I do films that I want to do, because they appeal to me in some way. I wouldn’t say that I only do action and/or comedy films, and if I do make these type of films, it is because I want to. I have worked in other genres, and really enjoyed it. I like to surprise my audience, so that they can never guess what to expect. Ultimately, I just love making films with people I admire and respect. Q: Do self-made actors like yourself have more motivation? A: Yes, I think so. But this isn’t the case for everyone, each case is different. It is only natural to protect and work hard for something when you have been through hell to get it in the first place. I myself had no godfather as such in the industry – so I worked hard and wanted to constantly improve myself. My goal was to strive to be better, and so it was this drive that got me to where I am today. The only reason I am still here in this industry today is because of God’s grace, my parent’s blessings and my fans’ love.


May 2015 - 1st Edition

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May 2015 - 1st Edition

‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ takes social media by storm

The theatrical trailer of Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ has captured the nation’s imagination and garnered a whopping two million views in less than two days of its release. Ever since the movie trailer was launched last week, the star-studded film has been creating buzz as well as trending on all social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube & Google Trends.

FILM: N.H 10 DIRECTED BY: Navdeep Singh GENRE: Thriller STAR CAST: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Darshan Kumaar

An ecstatic Ranveer Singh took to Twitter to post his excitement for reaching the magical numbers. The film is set to be released internationally on 5th June 2015 and the trailer of ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ reveals the film’s essence of being a bittersweet comedy drama with lots of memorable dialogues and ribtickling humour, which has hit a universal chord with fans the world over. The film is set on a European

cruise, which provides the perfect canvas to highlight the various aspects of the ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ family. As a part of this ensemble cast, international icon Anil Kapoor, plays brilliantly the role of the modern father. Shefali Shah, who plays the wife, makes a lasting impression in the very watchable trailer. From the trailer, the film promises some high drama on the high seas, as

RELEASE DATE: 13/3/2015

A young couple's road trip goes badly wrong after an encounter with a group of violent criminals in this gritty thriller. Meera (Anushka Sharma) and Arjun (Neil Bhoopalam) are a professional couple who enjoy a good life in their home city of Gurgaon. Everything changes when Meera is attacked by a group of unknown men after leaving a party late at night. Although she manages to escape, the experience leaves

her traumatised. Feeling guilty for not being there to protect her, Arjun tries to get their relationship back on track by organising for them to go on a luxurious holiday in the desert. Stopping at a roadside cafe on National Highway 10 en route, the couple witness a young girl being attacked by a group of men and Arjun decides to intervene, unaware that his actions will put both of their lives in mortal danger.

we see Priyanka Chopra struggling to break out of an unhappy marriage (to Rahul Bose’s character), while Farhan Akhtar looks charismatic on screen. Ranveer Singh completes the familial line-up as the son who is trying to find his calling in the world. Bringing a breath of fresh sea air to proceedings is actress Anushka Sharma, who plays an entertainer onboard. Like a ship caught in a high tide,

FILM: Dilliwaali Zalim Girlfriend DIRECTED BY: Japinder Kaur GENRE: Comedy STAR CAST: Divyendu Sharma, Jackie Shroff, Prachi Mishra, Pradhuman Singh, Ira Dubey Dilliwaali Zalim Girlfriend is the story of two innocent friends, Dhruv (Divyendu Sharma) - an aspirant IAS officer and Happy (Pradhuman Singh), who's a happy go lucky fun guy. Life becomes a depressing mess for them from the time Dhruv takes a private loan from a company where Sakshi (Prachi Mishra), the girl Dhruv loves, works. He in fact buys a car from the loan just to woo her

too. There starts their encounter right from today's super materialistic girls (where money comes above love), the finance company, the system and many more on the way, remains pretty Zaalim; leaving them to sort their problems on their own. Despite all the crooks they face, Dhruv and Happy along with another friend of theirs Nimmy (Ira Dubey), get

the audience can almost feel the tension within the Mehra family and yet look forward to being a part of their journey. Go to www.asianexpress.co.uk and join millions of fans who have seen the trailer that is breaking the internet.

RELEASE DATE: 5/6/2015

RELEASE DATE: 20/3/2015 together taking matters in their own hands and expose one of the biggest rackets underlying in Delhi. Though Dhruv buys the car to woo the girl who could never be his, in the process to get it back, he finds the right girl who was always out there next to him Nimmy. The music of the movie has been put together with Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jazzy B, Hard Kaur, Meet Bros Anjjan, Indeep Bakshi,

Dr. Zeus, Jatinder Shah, Milind Gaba, Jassi Katyal and Tiger Style while the lyrics are penned by Kumaar, Alfaaz, Bunty Bains, Zora Randhawa and Mavi Bains.


May 2015 - 1st Edition

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May 2015 - 1st Edition

SMEAPyT 2015 12A

BIG GAME

CERT

STARRING: SAMUEL L. JACKSON, ONNI TOMMILA, FELICITY HUFFMAN, VICTOR GARBER, JIM BROADBENT DIRECTOR: JALMARI HELANDER GENRE: ACTION When Air Force One is shot down by terrorists leaving the President of the United UK RELEA SE D States (Samuel L Jackson) stranded in the 0 7/05/201ATE: wilderness, there is only one person around 5 who can save him - a 13-year old boy called Oskari. In the forest on a hunting mission to prove his maturity to his kinsfolk, Oskari had been planning to track down a deer, but instead discovers the most powerful man on the planet in an escape pod. With the terrorists closing in to capture their own ‘Big Game’ prize, the unlikely duo must team up to escape their hunters.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

TBC

STARRING: TOM HARDY, CHARLIZE THERON, NICHOLAS HOULT, ZOE KRAVITZ, RILEY KEOUGH DIRECTOR: GEORGE MILLER GENRE: ACTION, THRILLER U

CERT

K RELEAS E

Action man Tom Hardy plays the iconic 14/05/20DATE: 15 Road Warrior in the fourth adrenalinedriven Mad Max thriller. In a stark and parched post-apocalyptic landscape, taciturn anti-hero Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) meets his shaven-headed female counterpart Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) who needs to cross the desert to get home. Writer/director George Miller revives the Mad Max series after 30 years with this hyper-kinetic chase movie. Boasting amazing visuals and an intense performance from Tom Hardy, Mad Max: Fury Road promises to be a worthy sequel to one of the all-time great action franchises.

UK RELEA SE

15/05/20DATE: 15

PITCH PERFECT 2 STARRING: ELIZABETH BANKS, ANNA KENDRICK, REBEL WILSON, BRITTANY SNOW, ALEXIS KNAPP DIRECTOR: ELIZABETH BANKS GENRE: COMEDY

12A

Now in their senior year, the CERT Barden Bellas are back to compete in an international a cappella competition that no American group has ever won before. Following an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction that sees Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) expose herself at an event to celebrate the US President's birthday, the Barden Bellas attempt to restore their tarnished reputation by entering the World Championships, which sees them competing against European champions Das Sound Machine from Germany.

POLTERGEIST STARRING: SAM ROCKWELL, JARED HARRIS, ROSEMARIE DEWITT, SAXON SHARBINO, KYLE CATLETT DIRECTOR: GIL KENAN UK RELEA SE DATE: GENRE: HORROR 2

2/05/2

015 A suburban home is invaded by spirits CERT in this remake of the 1980s horror classic. When the Bowen family move into their new home, everything seems perfect. That is, until strange things start happening. Soon they come to realise that their new house is home to a collection of poltergeists, angry souls from the beyond the grave. When their youngest daughter is suddenly taken by the spirits, the Bowens realise they must do everything in their power to get her back. TBC

TOMORROWLAND: A WORLD BEYOND STARRING: BRITT ROBERTSON, GEORGE CLOONEY, HUGH LAURIE, KATHRYN HAHN, JUDY GREER DIRECTOR: BRAD BIRD UK RELEA GENRE: ACTION, ADVENTURE SE DATE:

22/05/2

015 Bound by a shared TBC destiny, a bright, CERT optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boygenius inventor jaded by disillusionment, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory as ‘Tomorrowland’.


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May 2015 - 1st Edition

Entertainment

FILM TIMES AND

PRESENTS

WIN FREE N E SS MOVIE MAD

E TS CINEMA TICK

Odeon and The Asian Express bring back the movie mania as you get a chance to win free cinema tickets. Answer a simple question and you could win tickets to a film of your choice.

What the Anil nameKapoor of the new Sci-fi Who is does play in filmfilm to come of Pakistan? the ‘Dil out Dhadakne Do’?

Send inin your Send youranswers answersto to competition@asianexpress.co.uk competition@asianexpress.co.uk Don’t forget to mention full name, contact and Don’t forget to mention youryour full name, contact detailsdetails and address. address. Entry closes March 15th 2013, 5.00pm Entry closes May 15th 2015, 5.00pm Winners willbe beselected selected randomly randomly from entries. Winners will fromall allcorrect correct entries. Hook on to this page for free cinema tickets to upcoming films. Hook on to this page for free cinema tickets to upcoming films. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The Competition is organised by the Asian Express Newspaper. The Asian Express Newspaper reserves the right to cancel or amend the Competition, the Competition Notice or these Rules at any time without prior notice. Competition entries must be made in the manner and by the closing date specified on the Competition Rules. Failure to do so will disqualify the entry. In the event of any dispute regarding the Rules, Competition Notice, conduct, results and all other matters relating to a Competition, the decision of the Asian Express Newspaper shall be final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. To qualify to enter the Competition you must be resident in the United Kingdom and aged 16+. Only one entry per person per Competition is allowed and multiple entries will result in an entrant being disqualified. Additional eligibility requirements may apply to a specific Competition, e.g. a valid passport, visas and/or driver’s licence will be required. Prizes are non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. Winners may be requested to take part in promotional activity and the Asian Express Newspaper reserves the right to use the names and addresses of winners, their photographs and audio and/or visual recordings of them in any publicity. Any personal data relating to entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the individual’s prior consent. The Competition and the terms and conditions of this agreement will be governed by English law.

25% Off Tickets all day every Monday Classic - £1.99 and 100 Introductory points Deluxe - £4.99 and 500 introductory points Ultimate - £9.99 and 1000 introductory points and double points for a month You can spend your points on popcorn, soft drinks and snacks. or use them to get film tickets at the box office.or at odeon.co.uk

Odeon Kids £2.50 Every Saturday & Sunday morning and most School Holiday mornings

Silver Cinema £3.00 Mid-Morning screenings chosen from modern and classic cinema

Odeon Newbies £5.00 Watch current film releases without worrying about your little one making any noise

Friday 8th May until Thursday 14th May 2015

ODEON - Leeds/Bradford A LITTLE CHAOS (12A) 1h57m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri & Mon-Thu 11:45 BIG GAME (12A) 1h30m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri 14:45s/t 17:00 19:10 21:30 14:45 17:00 19:10 21:30 Sat-Thu CINDERELLA (U) 1h53m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri 12:00 13:40 17:30 Sat-Sun 10:40 12:00 13:40 17:30 Mon & Wed 12:00 13:40 17:30 Tue 12:00 17:30 Thu 12:00 FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (12A) 1h59m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Wed 14:45 18:20 Thu 14:45 FAST & FURIOUS 7 (12A) 2h17m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Sat 13:45 15:00 18:00 23:00 Sun-Thu 13:45 15:00 18:00 GABBAR IS BACK (12A) 2h07m Wheelchair Access, Bollywood, Fri-Sat 16:40 19:50 22:40 Sun-Mon & Wed 16:40 19:50 20:30 Tue 20:30 GET HARD (15) 1h40m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Sat 23:00 HOME (U) 1h34m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, 14:30 Fri & Mon-Thu 12:20 14:30 Sat-Sat 10:10 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 3D (15) 2h00m 3D, Wheelchair Access, Thu 13:00 16:00 19:00 22:00 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD (15) 2h00m Wheelchair Access, Thu 15:00 18:00 19:00 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 (PG) 1h34m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat-Sun 10:15 PIKU (PG) 2h02m Wheelchair Access, Bollywood, Fri-Sat 12:30 15:30 18:30 21:15 23:15 Sun-Thu 12:30 15:30 18:30 21:15 SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (U) 1h32m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri & Mon-Thu 12:35 Sat-Sun 10:30 SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD (15) 1h44m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Sat 13:20 15:50 18:20 20:50 23:15 Sun-Mon & Wed-Thu 13:20 15:50 18:20 20:50 Tue 13:20s/t 15:50 18:20 20:50 THE AGE OF ADALINE (12A) 1h53m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Wed 12:45 15:20 18:00 20:40 Thu 12:45 15:20 18:00s/t 20:40 THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 3D (12A) 2h21m 3D, Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Wed 11:45 15:00 18:15 21:30 Thu 10:45 13:45 16:45 20:00 THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (12A) 2h21m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Sat 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:45 16:45 17:45 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:10 23:00 Sun-Mon & Wed 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:45 16:45 17:45 19:00 20:00 21:00 Tue 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:45 16:45 17:45 19:00 20:00 21:00 Thu 11:30 12:00 15:45 19:00 THE DUFF (12A) 1h41m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat-Sun 11:15 Tue & Thu 11:15 TOP FIVE (15) 1h42m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Thu 16:40 19:00 21:25 TWO BY TWO (U) 1h27m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri & Mon-Thu 12:30 14:45 Sat-Sun 10:10 12:30 14:45 UNFRIENDED (15) 1h23m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Thu 15:00 19:10 21:20 ODEON PLUS CULTURE NT LIVE : MAN AND SUPERMAN (TBC) 3h35m NGP, Wheelchair Access, Thu 19:00 SILVER CINEMA TESTAMENT OF YOUTH (12A) 2h10m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Tue 11:00 | Thu 14:00 WILD (15) 1h55m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Tue 14:00 | Thu 11:00 KIDS SCREEN THE BOXTROLLS (PG) 1h37m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat-Sun 10:00 THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR (CAPTIONED) (U) 1h27m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Subtitled, Sat-Sun 10:15s/t TINKERBELL AND THE LEGEND OF THE NEVERBEAST 2D (U) 1h16m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat-Sun 10:30 ODEON NEWBIES FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD (12A) 1h59m Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Tue 11:30

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May 2015 - 1st Edition

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Motors

Hot hatch By Steve Maybury

ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged Corsa VXR set to raise the bar

Vauxhall’s ultra-powerful small hot-hatch – the new Corsa VXR is set to raise the bar for small, fast hatchbacks as it hits showrooms this month. Benefiting from the significant revisions in technology, headline performance figures are 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph, producing 245Nm of torque (between 1,900rpm and 5,800rpm). This makes the VXR a potent performer between 50-75mph, which it can dispatch in just 6.6 seconds in fifth gear.

Continued on page 88

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• Jaguar are producing the F-TYPE Project 7 in an exclusive run of up to 250 units, hand-built by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations team • A fully road-legal two-seater roadster, the new car stays true to the design ethos of the Project 7 concept unveiled in 2013 – which paid homage to Jaguar’s seven Le Mans wins – including the distinctive D-type-inspired fairing • With 575PS and 680Nm from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, F-TYPE Project 7 will reach 60mph in 3.8-sec (0-100 km/h in 3.9-sec) • Bespoke carbon-fibre aerodynamic aids and a unique suspension tune mean • CCM brakes, Torque Vectoring by Braking and race-inspired seats are all standard features • F-TYPE Project 7 features a stowable roof and 196-litre luggage space • First customer deliveries will begin from mid2015

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May 2015 - 1st Edition

A car of pure passion


May 2015 - 1st Edition

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Motors

F-TYPE PROJECT 7: The most powerful and fastest production Jaguar to date The F-TYPE Project 7 is the first Jaguar performance vehicle from Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations team, and will be produced in an exclusive, limited-edition run of up to 250 units. Its distinctive roadster body, pays tribute to one of the most famous and iconic racing Jaguars: the three-time Le Mans winning D-type, which in 2014 celebrated it’s 60th anniversary year. F-TYPE Project 7’s name pays homage to Jaguar’s seven outright Le Mans wins. The Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 is not only the most focused derivative of the award-winning FTYPE range, but is also the fastest and most powerful production Jaguar ever built. It’s powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, now in 575PS/680Nm form, enabling the all-aluminium-bodied car – which weighs 1585kg – to achieve acceleration from 0-60mph in 3.8seconds (0-100km/h in 3.9-seconds) and an electronically-limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h). The car is fully road-legal, with a removable roof and 196-litre stowage space. Power is sent to the rear wheels through Jaguar’s eight-speed Quickshift transmission and second generation Electronic Active Differential (EAD). Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes,

available as an option on the F-TYPE R Coupé, are fitted as standard on F-TYPE Project 7, offering powerful, consistent, fade-free braking. Another standard feature is Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVbB) which, working in conjunction with the EAD, enables extremely precise handling. Bespoke carbon-fibre aerodynamic aids and a unique suspension setup enable F-TYPE Project 7 to deliver a truly engaging driving experience. While F-TYPE Project 7 features performance-focused engineering by Special Vehicle Operations – the engineering and vehicle division of Special Operations – its design has been kept true to the head-turning lines of the original Project 7 concept, which was unveiled last summer. Key design elements include the D-typeinspired fairing behind the driver’s head, shorter windshield, new front bumper, and downforceincreasing aerodynamic modifications – including a carbon-fibre front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and adjustable rear spoiler. However, the single-seater concept has been transformed into a two-seater, with rollover hoops for both driver and passenger now integrated into the design.

uction od pr l fu er w po t os m e th is 7 t ec oj Pr PE "The F-TY 's seven ar gu Ja to e ag m ho ys pa d an , ilt bu er ev ar Jagu e design iv ct in st di h it w s ie or ct vi s an M Le ht ig tr ou es at br le ce ch hi w pe ty Dar gu Ja e th by ed ir cues insp its 60th anniversary this year."

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May 2015 - 1st Edition

Hot hatch

Powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged Corsa VXR set to raise the bar Continued from page 85

An overboost facility provides an additional 35Nm of torque, ideal for swift and safe overtaking. Maximum power from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is 205PS, while the Corsa VXR achieves 37.7mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 174g/km. As before, power is delivered to the front wheels via a secondgeneration six-speed transmission with a short, fluid gear change. Vauxhall has worked closely with damper-supplier, Koni, to develop a

new technology, known as Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) for the new Corsa VXR. FSD allows damping forces to adapt to the car’s movements, ensuring that body control is maintained when the car is driven fast, but ride quality is optimised at lower speeds. In addition, the car’s ride height has been lowered by 10mm all round. For the first time, Vauxhall is offering a two-stage switchable electronic stability programme (ESP) and traction control (TC) with the Corsa VXR. In Competition Mode the traction

control is inactive, while the ESP is relaxed to allow less intervention. For track use, the ESP can be fully disabled. Revisions have been made to the new Corsa VXR’s steering, making it more direct and precise, with improved feedback through the wheel. Michelin 215/45 R17 tyres are standard, as are 308mm front brake discs. Standard bi-xenon lighting and a choice of six exterior colours help the new Corsa VXR stand out in its class. An aggressive new front-end design features large air intakes and an aluminium-framed opening

below the headlights. A small scoop is located below the bonnet and side-sill extensions enhance the Corsa VXR’s performance credentials still further. At the rear, a rear spoiler provides meaningful downforce over the back axle, and twin Remus exhaust pipes further distinguish it from regular Corsas. Six exterior colours – including Flash Blue, which is unique to the Corsa VXR – are available for the Corsa VXR. The car’s cabin has standard Recaro seats, a leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports pedals, as well as a VXR gear-lever and instruments. A heated front

windscreen and Intellilink connectivity for Apple iOS and Android smartphones are also standard. For Corsa VXR customers keen to enhance their car’s dynamics still further, Vauxhall is offering an optional Performance Package, which includes certain features previously seen in the outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models. Highlights include a Drexler limited-slip differential, larger 330mm-diameter Brembo front brake discs, 18-inch alloy wheels and more focused FSD damper settings.


May 2015 - 1st Edition

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The Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports saloon and is the driver’s car in its class. Its lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior and outstanding ride and handling are testament to company founder Sir William Lyons’ vision: ‘The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive.’ The rear-drive XE is the only vehicle in its class to use an aluminium-intensive monocoque. This extremely robust yet light structure, together with double wishbone front suspension and an Integral Link rear axle, is fundamental to the XE’s innovative benchmark vehicle dynamics. Jaguar’s world-leading expertise in aluminium structure engineering

enables exceptional fuel consumption and emissions figures: with the new Ingenium diesel engines, the XE can achieve 75mpg and 99g/km CO2 – the most efficient Jaguar ever. Powered by the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine from the acclaimed Jaguar F-TYPE, the XE S is capable of 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. “The XE’s driving behaviour fully matches the promise of its seductive looks, and the emotional appeal is supported by state of-theart approaches to efficiency, from aerodynamics to the advanced Ingenium engine family.” Kevin Stride, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar XE The aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from Jaguar Land Rover’s new

modular vehicle architecture. The long 2,835mm wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined profile. The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes combined with Jaguar craftsmanship make this a classbeating interior that’s unlike anything else in the segment. Jaguar’s new InControl infotainment system takes centre stage: its innovative 8-inch touchscreen brings fast, intuitive access to all features and functions – and iOS and Android smartphone apps. The XE has some of the most advanced driver assistance systems available. All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), developed

May 2015 - 1st Edition

through decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, can electronically gain traction in seconds and is ideal for use on low-grip surfaces, such as snow-covered roads. Laser projection technology enables the XE’s optional head-up display (HUD) to generate sharp, high-contrast colour graphics (such as vehicle speed and navigation) from a module smaller and almost a third lighter than existing systems, retaining clarity even in direct sunlight. A forward facing stereo camera is mounted behind the front windscreen to give the XE a 3D view of the road ahead: this highly accurate data is used for functions including autonomous emergency braking and a lane departure warning system.

The XE is the stiffest, most aerodynamic Jaguar saloon car ever built. It is also the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric power steering, tuned to provide exceptional responsiveness and feel but with lower energy consumption than hydraulic systems. The XE also offers the lowest cost of ownership and most environmentally sustainable credentials of all Jaguar models. Manufacturing of the aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE occurs at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant in an all-new facility. Part of a £1.5bn investment, this flexible, purpose-built site will create 1,700 UK jobs. The new Jaguar XE is priced from £26,990 with first customer deliveries expected in June this year.

Aerodynamically styled

The new small, light and stiff aluminiumintensive Jaguar XE is first in it’s class


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May 2015 - 1st Edition

Soccer League UK - Leeds Soccer League UK Leeds was officially launched in August 2014 with the ambition of bringing together West Yorkshire’s leading sixa-side teams to crown an overall champion. With representatives travelling from across Leeds and Bradford to

take part in the weekly competition, the matches are held at Thomas Danby College every Monday and Thursday evening. The brainchild of Mushad Ahmed, Soccer League UK Leeds is the first of many franchise opportunities which will hopefully set up across the

country, offering teams the chance to play against their region’s top sides, at the lowest prices around. Keep up to date with all the latest match reports and league tables with the Asian Express newspaper who will be reviewing the best of the week’s actions every issue.

Borussia Bite Back

Chasing pack close in on top two

Borussia Teeth 1-0 Super Six After a surprise defeat at the hands of Tetley’s Tinos last week, Borussia Teeth responded in the perfect fashion, clinching a 1-0 victory over Super Six despite starting the game with just three outfield players. A solitary strike from Waleed Akhtar was enough to secure all three points and move the title contenders back to within four points off top spot. For the first five minutes of Thursday’s encounter, the favourites were forced to withstand some heavier pressure than usual, yet despite the two man deficit, stood strong against their pressing opponents. As more players eventually made their way onto the pitch, service was resumed as normal and with just under ten minutes on the clock, Akhtar struck the all important opening goal. Controlling the ball neatly before unleashing a powerful drive at goal, the forward managed to do what he was unable to complete last week. Borussia continued to push for a second throughout the remainder of the first half, and the start of the second yet were unable to breach the league’s statistically worst defence this year.

A shock result was almost on the cards with just five minutes to go when a mix-up at the back saw Super Six’s ‘Bash’ put through on goal. Rifling his effort towards the top right corner, it was only a reaction save from shot stopper Abdur Razzaq that kept the score at 1-0, tipping it over for a corner. Al-Aqsa

PLAYER OF THE WEEK Borussia Teeth’s Hamad Ali was a stalwart for his side as they kicked off their game with just four men against Super Six. His leadership on the pitch helped guide the side to a 1-0 win keeping their title hopes very much alive.

Neither side were able to find a second goal in the game meaning Borussia Teeth got the all important three points and close back in on the table toppers. Super Six meanwhile slip to the foot of the table following a rare Team NewBees victory. Man of the Match - Hamad Ali (Borussia Teeth)

Sport

... rest of the action Al-Aqsa 2-0 TT

Tetley’s Tino failed to build on their impressive victory over Borussia Teeth last week as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Al-Aqsa. A victory for Tinos would have lifted them up to within one point off second spot yet the inconsistent side could not contain their opponents in a one-sided affair. Aminul Hoq grabbed the first goal for the highflyers before ‘Izzy’ bagged a second to all but put the contest to bed for the night. A few half-chances for their opponents came later in the second half yet the victor’s were able to make it back-to-back wins and climb to fourth spot with the victory. Hoq is one of the most inform forwards in the league at present and his side will be hoping more goals are to come as they aim for a late title challenge. Tetley’s fall to seventh spot after their fourth defeat this term. Man of the Match - Izzy (Al-Aqsa)

Old Bacca Boys 4-1 Hyde Park

The league’s top scorers smashed four goals passed last season’s champions on Thursday as the shock of the night was seen in a one-sided 4-1 victory for Old Bacca Boys over Hyde Park. A double for Safraz Akhtar was follows by strikes from Nikash Yousef and Faisal Hussain as OBB ran riot to give their goal difference a welcome boost in the race for the championship. Kyle Barkley netted a consolation for Hyde Park yet the team fall to sixth in the league following the result, knowing a win would have moved them to within two points off Jubodhol at the top. It was a completely opposite performance from the victors to the one they produced last week in a 3-1 defeat to the table toppers, and will see this as a kickstart to their season. Man of the Match - Safraz Aktar (OBB)

Jubodhol 0-0 Jackhammer FC

The SLUK Division One top two faced off for the second time this season and were forced to share the spoils in a goalless draw with little to separate the sides. Fluid football from both sides allowed for an entertaining game yet with both defences boasting the best records in the league this season – conceding just four goals each in 11 games, it was always going to be hard to find the back of the net. A point is enough to keep Jubodhol at the top, three points ahead of their opponents and nearest challengers, yet a host of teams have closed the gap further down the league. An exciting run-in now looks set to take place with at least six teams still in with a claim for the top position seven match-days away from now. Man of the Match - Adil Zeb (Jackhammer FC)

THURSDAY 6'S DIVISION 1 POS TEAM

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1 Jubodhol

8

6

2

0

15

3

12

20

2 Borussia Teeth

8

5

2

1

10

3

7

17

3 Hyde Park

8

4

4

0

14

5

9

16

4 Old Bacca Boys

8

4

3

1

16

5

11

15

5 Al-Aqsa FC

8

5

0

3

11

5

6

15

6 Tetleyǯs Tino

8

4

2

2

12

6

6

14

7 NFA

8

2

5

1

9

6

3

11

8 JackHammer FC

7

3

0

4

4

7

-3

9

8 8

1 1

2 1

5 6

4 6

8 15

-4 -9

5 4

9 NewBees 10 Super Six

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Sport

May 2015 - 1st Edition

Little Laila is swimming extraordinaire

MILE-STONE reached

UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE – FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs MANNY PACQUIAO By Khalil Alam info@asianexpress.co.uk On Saturday night the world stood still as boxing fans around the world looked forward to the fight between the two best pound for pound boxers, Floyd Mayweather (48-0 26KO) and Manny Pacquiao (57-6-2 38KO) that was dubbed as the fight of the century. During the fight Mayweather did what he always does and fought as a boxer and not like a brawler as he danced for 12 rounds, picked his punches and nullified Pacquiao’s attacks with his remarkable defensive skills. Mayweather’s tactics are never crowd pleasing and many people thought his strategy was boring and lacked action as he ran more than boxed and did a lot of holding, but helped him secure his 48th professional boxing win. Pacquiao threw 429 punches and only managed to land 81 punches and it seemed that half way through the fight that he had already accepted his defeat and had no intention of trying to win the fight. However as all previous 47 Mayweather opponents will tell you that fighting Mayweather is a lot harder than it looks and he is simply the defensive genius. In hindsight had the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight happened six years then perhaps a young Pacquiao might have been more competitive and may have even come close to winning the fight but unfortunately in this fight Pacquiao failed to impress, despite his bizarre claim at

Khalil Alam

the end of the fight that he had won. In boxing it is inevitable that “father time” catches up to competitive boxers and even the great fighters who once looked invincible become vulnerable. I feel that Pacquiao significantly aged in this boxing bout where he clearly looked old and tired. This fight was the richest fight in history, but not the fight of the century and that title still belongs to the Muhammed Ali vs Joe Frazier 1 fight. After the fight Pacquiao did claim that he had an injured shoulder going into this fight but, this has landed the Philippine fighter into further trouble as he could now face a possible perjury charge because he failed to disclose the injury in a questionnaire before the bout. Pacquiao had been denied an anti-inflammatory injection prior to the fight with Mayweather and according to Pacquiao he had to fight one handed. Pacquiao has since making the injury claim undergone surgery and will not be able to fight for at least six to twelve months. The shoulder injury claim by Pacquiao was genuine but it could also be a tactic to soften his loss and could add weight when considering a potential rematch with a fully in shape Pacquiao ready to defeat Mayweather next time. My argument in regards to the Pacquiao injury would be that considering how intensive and hard boxers train prior to a boxing bout, is it likely that nearly all boxers enter boxing fights with some sort of injury. I recall Joe Calzaghe entering major fights with injured hands and fighting through broken limbs without making a complaint and other boxers who claim they have never been 100 per cent fully fit in any of their boxing bouts. Also in my opinion given the nature of Mayweather’s win against Pacquiao in this fight a rematch would be unnecessary and even a fitter Pacquaio would be chasing shadows as Mayweather would still land more punches and dance around the ring.

A young swimming enthusiast from Bradford has made waves of progress in the pool this year, earning her official one-mile certificate just six months after her first lesson. Six-year-old Laila Shaikh began attending after-school swimming lessons in September and took to the challenge like a fish in water, gliding her way through the qualifications. The Bradford Girls’ Grammar School Year One pupil impressed her coaches so much that she quickly mastered the early stages of learning to swim and was signed up to the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Rainbow programme. Designed to complement each of the stages of the ASA Learn to Swim Framework, the

SWIMMER: Laila Shaikh earned her one mile certificate earlier this month, less than six months after achieving her five-metre swim award

programme starts with an emphasis on water confidence and the ability to cover the shorter distances, before steadily progressing to more of a focus on stroke improvement and increasing stamina. The completion of each distance is recognised with the award of a badge and certificate, which not only marks the progress of the swimmer’s development, but provides the motivation to move to the next award. Certainly this was the case for Laila who, by the end of September, was delighted to receive her first Rainbow Distance Award with a five metre swim, completed still wearing armbands, and quickly set her sights on the next badge.

‘Lord of the Ring’ Khan clinches title as winning streak continues

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Tasif Khan’s long anticipated return to action has certainly gone according to plan recently as the Bradford-born boxer extended his winning run to three bouts in five months following his latest triumph in London last weekend. On Saturday 2nd May, Khan faced off against Georgia’s Mikheil Soloninkini for the International Masters Silver Bantamweight title, at Bethnal Green’s York Hall. Flying out of the blocks in the opening exchanges, Khan looked like a man determined to prove himself once again, and having won his last two fights within the first round, looked like he could repeat the feat once more. Having spent just two minutes and 20 seconds in the ring since 2012, Khan’s endurance was put to the test in his latest fight and by the midway point began to slow down his rhythm. Midway through the sixth, during a routine exchange, Khan was a little slow bringing up his gloves, leaving an opening for the Georgian to let rip with a big right, sending Khan to the canvas. On the restart Soloninkini went on the offensive once more, yet the Yorkshire representative remained calm and got behind his jab again to throw the much hyped boxer on the back foot. When Soloninkini did begin to show signs of improvement, Khan’s clever holding technique ensured he remained injury-free and allowed him time to regain command in the final rounds and earn a unanimous points victory. Speaking after the contest, Khan said: “It’s been my dream since I was a kid to win a title and hopefully this will be the first of many. “Saying that, I don’t want to take away

CHAMPION: Tasif Khan picked up the International Masters Silver Bantamweight title last weekend with victory over Mikheil Soloninkini

the importance of being the International Masters Champion – this is like winning a World title for me. “I’ve had a tough two and half years and have now thankfully come through it, got back fighting and now have a belt, so I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved. “Coming into the fight I felt really good as training went well. I went away with one of my coaches, Nadeem Siddique, who is a professional himself and I had a good training camp in Greece.”

He added: “I would also just like to dedicate the win to my eldest brother, Tahir Khan, because...he’s the first person to totally support me in boxing and has always been there for me. He’s the one that made all this possible. “I also want to thank all the fans and sponsors for their ongoing support.” Khan’s first win over a ten-round contest certainly pushed the local ace to his limits yet with gold now around his waist, it seems the only way is up for the local champ.


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Sport

TOUR-IFFIC RACE: 144 riders took part in the first ever Tour de Yorkshire, hailed a huge success by organisers (images courtesy of Welcome to Yorkshire)

Continued from page 96 Team Sky's Lars Petter Nordhaug led from day one and eventually claimed the first ever Tour trophy against a strong line up full of individual stars. Amongst the World Champions and Olympians on the starting line of Stage One were Sir Bradley Wiggins and his Team Wiggins cyclists, alongside the likes of Giant-Aplecin’s Marcel Kittel, Team Europcar’s Thomas Voeckler and Yorkshiremen Ed Clancy of JLT Condor and Team Sky’s Ben Swift. Sadly by Stage Two the race had lost two of the main protagonists as Swift and Kittel were forced to retire yet Yorkshire’s towns and villages showed no sign of dimming enthusiasm for the race with crowds growing each day. Stage Three proved a hard fought, thrilling day of racing for the international peloton and spectators who lined the route, with Nordhaug being presented the iconic yellow-Y trophy to conclude the event.

Over one million turn out for inaugural race The three day men’s race was joined by an 80km women’s race in York on Saturday 2nd May, with crowds once again lining the circuit to see a thrilling sprint finish in what riders called a showcase event for female racing in the UK. In scenes reminiscent of last year’s Grand Départ, painted bikes, children’s artwork and hundreds of miles of bunting could also be seen across Yorkshire weeks ahead of the race. Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said the atmosphere and excitement during the race was on par with the scenes witnessed during the Tour de France’s two-day depart in Yorkshire last year. “Once again we’ve seen staggering crowds provide a

rousing welcome for these incredible riders,” he said. “I salute each of the 144 riders in the men’s race and 98 in the women’s, and the 6,000 who took on the sportive. “We thank the people of Yorkshire and the riders, the crowds, the Tour Makers, the ASO and our team at Welcome to Yorkshire should be immensely proud of the weekend’s achievements.” Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France, added: “It was an emotional return to Yorkshire, who did of course put on the grandest of all the Grand Départs last year. “This was again a special moment, an historic three days and a great advert for cycling and the passion and the heart that Yorkshire has for the sport.”

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TOUR-IFFIC Over one million turn out for inaugural race

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

CLIMB: Cyclists tackle the steep incline in Keighley as crowds gather on the iconic streets to cheer on the race (images courtesy of Welcome to Yorkshire)

The first ever Tour de Yorkshire has ridden itself into the history books after a momentous three days of racing finally came to an end in Leeds’ Roundhay Park last weekend. More than one-and-a-halfmillion spectators came out to cheer the riders on whilst television audiences in more than 150 countries witnessed some of Yorkshire’s finest scenery in what was a race to remember.

Continued on page 95

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