Asian Express Yorkshire - June 3rd Edition 2015 by Asian Expres

Asian

Express JUNE 3RD EDITION 2015

Yorkshire

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Asian

Express

Yorkshire

JUNE 3RD EDITION 2015

By Ashley Grint

INSIDE THIS EDITION

ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

QUESTIONS: Mohammed Aslam says his requests for information have been ignored following the sudden death of his son, Arslan, earlier this year

See page 81

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Family demands closure following son’s death A Ravensthorpe family say they are still waiting for answers as to why their 14-year-old relative died just days after surgery at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Arslan Aslam passed away earlier this year after undergoing a complex operation to insert a rod into his back which would allow him to sit up straight. As a sufferer of muscular dystrophy, the surgery was also seen as a chance to ‘improve the quality of life’ for Arslan who had to convince his parents to allow him to undergo the treatment. Initially, it appeared the Newsome High student was recovering well yet five days later, he took a sudden turn for the worse, suffering a cardiac arrest whilst still on the hospital’s ward. As a result, Arslan suffered major brain damage and sadly died just over three weeks after the initial surgery at Huddersfield’s Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice on 25th March.

‘We need KHANS! answers’ See page 82

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Bradford family of 12 feared to be in Syria By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Two fathers from Bradford say they are ‘distraught’ after learning that their children have likely been taken to Islamic State-run areas of Syria by their mothers. Sisters, Khadija Dawood, Sugra Dawood and Zohra Dawood, all

from Bradford, had been in Saudi Arabia travelling to Medina when they lost contact with family in the UK on 8th June. Since that date, mobile phones have been switched off and social media sites inactivated. It is reported that the women boarded a plane with their children - aged between three and 15, to Istanbul, Turkey, on 9th June, where they are likely to have then travelled over the border into Syria to join IS forces. A brother of the three sisters is already suspected to be fighting with the militants in Syria and the family are believed to have now joined him. Balaal Khan, the lawyer acting on behalf of the women's husbands, said during a media briefing this week: “The fathers understandably are quite distraught. “One can imagine what a father will feel. They have not been with their children for three weeks or so. “The fathers have informed me the last conversation with their children was in Medina on the 8th [June], at what time they said ‘Dad we love you, we are missing you, we can’t wait to come home’. “Whenever I have been speaking to the fathers they have obviously been distressed, crying, and they don’t know what to do.”

APPEAL: Lawyer acting on behalf of the women’s husbands and children’s fathers, Balaal Khan, said the father’s were ‘understandably distraught’

Nine children amongst missing as police appeal for information

He added: “They cannot do anything. They have been unable to eat or sleep and are literally sat by the phone, hoping that one of the family members will contact them.” British authorities estimate more than 700 Britons have travelled to Syria, with a significant proportion thought to have joined IS which has taken over vast areas of the country and neighbouring Iraq. It has now been revealed that the three Bradford sisters were stopped before a separate flight to Saudi Arabia earlier this year as they were questioned by security officials. However, they were cleared and allowed to rebook their flights. The fathers of the children held a press conference on Tuesday 16th June, where they plead for the safe return of their families. Akhtar Iqbal, husband of Sugra Dawood, addressed his young daughter saying: “You know, Mariya, I love you. I don't know what to say. “I'm shaking and I miss you. It's been too many days. I don't where you are. Please come back home.” Mohammad Shoaib, husband of Khadija Dawood, added: “Please

contact me. I am not angry. ... They are young kids, seven and five. And you know I love you so much.” The husband of Zohra Dawood was unable to attend the conference as he is currently in Pakistan. As national and international enquiries continue into establishing the whereabouts of the missing families, Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster, of West Yorkshire Police, said their main concern is the safety of the children. “We are extremely concerned for the safety of the family and would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to us,” he said. “Our priority is for their safe return; their families are gravely worried about them and want them home. One of our primary concerns is the safety and welfare of the young children.” The children are Ismaeel Iqbal, three; Mariya Iqbal, five; Muhammad Haseeb, five; Nurah Binte Zubair, five; Maryam Siqqiqui, seven; Haafiyah Binte Zubair, eight; Zaynab Iqbal, eight; Ibrahim Iqbal, 14; and Junaid Ahmed Iqbal, 15.

APPEAL: Mohammad Shoaib (right) and Akhtar Iqbal made heartfelt speeches for the return of their children during a press conference

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MISSING: The nine children and three mothers who are believed to have joined up with Islamic State militants in Syria

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson has sent a strong message of ‘unity and hope’ to all communities in West Yorkshire Mr Burns-Williamson has pledged that keeping an open mind there are lines of the communities of West Yorkshire will be enquiry being progressed. As these are live stronger and more resilient than ever in the investigations we are unable to comment face of adversity after media allegations of further. two separate incidents of concern involving “It is also important to recognise that West Yorkshire residents overseas. now is not the time for knee-jerk reactions. He said: “I have heard the media reports We need long-term solutions to long-term about what is thought to have happened and problems. there is obviously deep concern and shock “That is why I have launched a scheme particularly for the families caught up and called Community Voices. Community Voices for the local communities. is an on-line training platform that provides “I also know people in the wider West a service to credible voices within local Yorkshire community are understandably communities who are concerned but it is during times like this that helping to tackle online people pull together and show strength in radicalisation. adversity. The ability and willingness of “The training people in West Yorkshire to do this is one of offered helps the area’s great strengths. members of the “As West Yorkshire Police and Crime public who want to Commissioner I am working closely with help make a West Yorkshire Police and other partners in difference to spot the community to support people when they the early signs of need it. extreme ideologies. "North East Counter Terrorism Unit is “It also educates leading both investigations. young and "The North East CTU has wide experience potentially of dealing with such enquiries and has effective liaison with partners nationally such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and internationally with authorities and law enforcement agencies overseas. "Although the North East CTU is UNITED: Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, Mark Burns-Williamson

vulnerable and impressionable members of society by challenging what they see on-line and explaining if it is right or wrong. “Community Voices also shows people that there is support out there and that they are not alone – the police, partners and the public working together. “It has been put together after speaking to communities in other parts of the UK and Europe so that it is relevant and realistic to meet the challenges we face.”

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

Library refurb

Shipley Library will close on Friday 28th August to undergo a £640,000 refurbishment which will vastly improve the building and facilities for local residents. The revamp, which is expected to take around eight months, will include new heating and lighting, improved meeting rooms, improved toilets and an exhibition area. Self service kiosks will mean that customers can easily access their account and issue and return books without queuing. Most of the existing stock will be retained with some new books being bought. The town's library, run by Bradford Council, is one of the busiest libraries in the district, attracting 284,000 visitors every year and this will be its first refurbishment since it opened in 1985.

Local produce market

The next Bingley Local Produce Market will be on Saturday 20th June, between 10am and 3pm on Bingley’s Town Square. The market is organised by Bradford Council and complements the existing open market, which takes place each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Local Produce Market will be held every third Saturday of the month. Products at the market will include award-winning pork pies from the ‘Little Yorkshire Pie Company’, a selection of cheeses from Kevin the cheesemonger at ‘Cheese, Cheese, Cheese’, as well as a variety of homemade pickles, fresh vegetables, olives, eggs, handmade chocolates, biscotti biscuits made in Bingley and a range of local honeys from Chris and his bees at Stickey’s.

Birthday celebrations

The Chestnut Centre in Huddersfield held a special event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its opening. Local children and families flocked to the birthday party, which was held by Chestnut Nursery, Deighton Brackenhall Initiative (DBI), Chestnut Children’s Centre and Fresh Horizons. DBI presented the children’s centre with an award which recognised their support and contribution to the community. The award was collected by children’s centre manager Fiona Murfin on behalf of all staff. The Chestnut Centre is a hub for the community in Deighton and offers a wide range of services in partnership with local organisations.

Diabetes at all-time high in Yorkshire

The number of people living with diabetes has reached an alltime high - with tens of thousands of people in our region diagnosed with both type one and type two last year. The new figures announced at the start of Diabetes Week, have been extracted from official NHS data and shows an increase of more than 125,000 adults nationally compared to the previous year, bringing the total figure of diabetics in the UK to 3.9 million. Bradford has been identified as a hotspot for the disease with rates of diabetics higher than the national average. Health bosses in Bradford have said that diabetes is the city’s “biggest health problem” as the sharp rise in diabetes cases in recent years continues. Many cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented – but there is no way of preventing Type 1.

Diabetes education has come under criticism as health officials say not enough is being done to make people aware of the devastating health complications, including amputation, blindness and stroke that diabetes carries. Beyond the human suffering, diabetes costs the NHS nearly £10 billion, 80 per cent of which is spent on managing avoidable complications. Bridget Turner, Diabetes UK Director of Policy, said: “Over the last decade we have seen the number of people with diabetes rising at an alarming rate, and these latest figures are a stark call to action – we must act now or face the very real danger of diabetes devastating the lives of even more people, and threatening to wreck the already over-burdened NHS. “There is a gaping hole when it comes to diabetes education because we know that most people newly diagnosed with diabetes are

not offered a group education course. This is despite strong evidence that giving people the knowledge and skills to manage their diabetes effectively can reduce their long-term risk of complications. “We must get better at offering education to people who are living with diabetes and help them to manage this serious, complex and often overwhelming condition. It is crucial that education is made available both at the point of diagnosis and beyond, as the education needs of people already living with the condition can change over time. “Along with providing better and more flexible education options, local health systems need to focus on increasing the

Find out more at www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek, or search #DiabetesandMe on Twitter

proportion of people getting the 15 healthcare essentials that everyone with diabetes should be receiving. Until we achieve these steps, we will continue to deny people living with diabetes of the best possible chance of living long and healthy lives. “This Diabetes Week, we are urging everyone with diabetes to seek out the support and education they need.”

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

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Bringing aid to those most in need

Ramadan Deployment Team target ‘forgotten’ refugees

QUANTITY: Over 2,000 food parcels were taken out to help refugees in the Turkish province of Hatay

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

AID: As well as donating food parcels to Syrian refugees, Nazim Ali helped bring sweets and gifts to orphaned children at a local school

By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

An aid volunteer who returned from the borders of Syria last week, says the humanitarian situation on the ground is only ‘getting worse’ and urged others to consider the refugees’ struggles this Ramadan. 27-year-old, Nazim Ali, returned from his seven-day expedition on Wednesday 10th June, having spent time delivering over 2,000 food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people. As part of a 12-man convoy, made up of US and UK volunteers, the Bradford man travelled to the Turkish province of Hatay as a representative of the SKT Welfare Charity’s ‘Ramadan Deployment Team’. Despite completing a similar aid trip less than one year ago, Nazim said that this latest venture still produced some ‘shocking’ and ‘horrifying’ truths. “This visit was most certainly life changing, enriching and emotionally challenging as we provided much needed aid to the externally displaced Syrian refugees,” he said. “We visited countless families living in partially built homes with no doors or windows and in tents. They were in need of food and water – basic commodities we take for granted. “Just as many of us will be fasting in Ramadan, so will they. The only difference is that we will be doing Ramadan in our homes with our loved ones and in the presence of an abundance of food. They, however, will be struggling to afford basic items such as dates and water.” Since violence broke out in Syria almost five years ago, millions have fled the war-torn country, with over 1.7million people currently seeking refuge in Turkey. Men, women and children are currently without food and permanent shelter, with the need for aid growing every day. During Nazim’s most recent visit, he covered his own travel costs to ensure 100 per cent of his received donations went

directly to the charity, even turning down an all expenses paid trip to Istanbul with work in favour of the aid mission. Having raised over £15,000 prior to departure, the local secretary of Bradford’s Naqshbandia Active Development Association (NADA), completed 12-hour days, delivering aid where it was needed most. Adding about the experiences he witnessed, he said: “The abject poverty I witnessed was truly shocking with mothers struggling to feed their offspring and offering their children for adoption so that they will be in a better position to be looked after. “We heard horrifying accounts of the killing of parents with many children witnessing the gruesome murders and visibly looking traumatised. “I have to be honest, on several occasions I came close to tears after witnessing the aforementioned.” Nazim’s highlight of the trip

GIFTS: Young Sabaa was just one of the orphans Nazim visited

came in the small town of Kilis, where volunteers visited a school to distribute special treats for the orphaned children. “The toys, sweets and chocolates we provided put a smile on the faces of these innocent children which was enriching for us knowing we were the reason for those smiles and the very reason we worked tirelessly in raising vital funds,” he said. “I am most grateful to the British public for their generous donations. “It is important we do not forget about the externally displaced Syrian refugees who are suffering from the conflict in their country. The humanitarian situation on the ground is getting worse with almost two-million externally displaced Syrian refugees in Turkey alone.” The SKT Ramadan Deployment Team targets those outside refugee camps who receive little or no support, including Syrian widows and orphaned children.

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‘Mosque committees should be more inclusive’

POSITIVE: Imam at Leeds Makkah Masjid, Qari Asim, says he would rather see more inclusive places in Britain, rather than men-only and women-only spaces

Discussions continue into concept of women-led mosque

June 2015 - 3rd Edition As dialogue continues into the prospective development of the UK’s first women-led mosque, a Leeds Imam has called on more managing committees to work harder to promote inclusivity. Qari Asim, of the Makkah Masjid, was one of the invited speakers at the Muslim Women’s Council’s (MWC) consultation evening last weekend, held to discuss the pioneering concept for a place of worship. Accepting that there is a ‘lack of women’ currently involved in the running of mosques, he said the idea for a women-led, all-inclusive model could be one that works. “There is a misconception regarding what the women-led place of worship will be like in Bradford,” he said. “It will not be an inclusive place just for women but will instead just be run and managed by women. “The imam will be a man and it will be open to all men and women. There is absolutely no issue regarding this type of committee, in fact we need to do more to promote women in our committees. “They are a vital part of our society and institutions must reflect this.” The women-led mosque was first mentioned during the MWC’s Daughters of Eve event last month, with plans and further consultations carried out since. Qari Asim added that he did not view the ‘model’ as the only possible concept but accepted it could be one which paved the way for future discussions. “I am not saying this is the correct way to do it but it is one model and we should see how it works,” he said. “I hope that last weekend’s consultation will result in more inclusive spaces in the city and in Britain rather than men-only and women-only spaces. “It will not happen overnight but we do need to work on making our mosques more inclusive.” Describing the current representation on governing bodies as ‘non-existent’ CEO of the MWC, Bana Gora added that the place would also create ‘a safe place for all women’. “[We] found that the services offered by mosques were not always adequate for women,” she said. “Rather than just complain, we decided to do something about it.”

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

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A helping hand in school

Calderdale students are benefiting from a partnership between their schools which is the first of its kind in Yorkshire. The Crossley Heath School is working very closely with Park Lane Learning Trust to open up further learning opportunities for the students there. Shared staffing, mentoring schemes, joint projects, mixed sporting opportunities, new friendships and rising aspirations are just some of the benefits that both Halifax schools are seeing. When Park Lane was going through a challenging time last year and exam results fell, Calderdale Council approached Crossley Heath to see if they could support Park Lane to bring stability and improvements. This approach is one of very few in the country – and the first in Yorkshire – to see a highly performing grammar school providing extensive support to a non-selective secondary school.

Make your CV stand out with NCS

Spend the summer making your college, university or job applications stand out from the crowd by taking part in National Citizen Service (NCS). NCS is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for 16-17 year olds. It takes place during school holidays, for two to three weeks and will help you develop your character and gain key skills needed for employment like resilience, confidence and leadership. Not only that, but NCS looks great on CVs and is now recognised by UCAS. Government backing means that it costs just £50 or less to take part in NCS and bursaries are available on a case by case basis, with support provided for young people with additional needs. Visit www.ncsyes.co.uk for more information.

Keeping under budget

A report will be discussed at a meeting of Bradford Council’s Executive on 23rd June, which gives members an insight in to the Council’s overall budget position at the end of the 2014/15 financial year, as well as a look at how services are performing against their Corporate Indicators. The headline financial results are that net revenue spending is £417.2m, which is £3.4m (0.8 per cent) lower than budgeted, reflecting the prudent approach taken in light of the significant financial challenges faced in delivering the approved 2015-16 budget. The 2014-15 budget required savings of £26m with a further £5.2m reduction in capital financing costs, reflecting the ongoing decline in Government funding, rising demand for services and inflation. The financial outlook used to set the 2015-16 budget remains broadly the same with £3.4m transferred into unallocated reserves to support future budget decisions

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

‘We need answers’

Family demands closure following son’s death Cover story continued Now his father, Mohammed Aslam, says his whole family have been left without closure and wants answers as to why his son died, just hours after appearing ‘lively and well’. “When we first heard about the surgery, we didn’t want him to have it because of the risk involved,” he said. “But because he wanted a chance to improve his quality of life, I think he wore us down and eventually we agreed to let him undergo the operation.” Arslan was taken into surgery on Tuesday 3rd March where underwent the 10-hour procedure which involved putting a pole in his back. In the next couple of days that followed, he was cared for on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as he recovered and by the Saturday, had been taken to a ward where he was ‘eating well and talking’. The following day, Mohammed, who had been at his son’s bedside for the majority of his care, was invited by a friend to an elections hustings event in Savile Town, Dewsbury. Despite turning down the offer in favour of staying at the hospital, Arslan told him it was fine to go. “I wish I had never gone now,” Mohammed added. “I went to the meeting and after that we went back to my house to have a meal with some friends and discuss what had been happening. “The plan then was to drive up to see Arslan again in the morning so I phoned the hospital that night to check up on him. They said he was asleep and doing fine. “It was at around 2.30am that I then got another call from the hospital saying I had better get down there as Arslan had taken a turn for the worse.” Mohammed and his wife, Nasreen, immediately got in their van to make the journey over the Pennines and upon arrival were taken back to the ICU. “When we got there, Arslan had a tube in his mouth,” Mohammed said. “I asked the doctors what happened. They explained that his airways had been blocked by mucus and that had stopped his heart from beating and he went into cardiac arrest. “His heart had stopped beating for 24 minutes, meaning he was brain damaged and would never be

TRAGIC: Arslan’s family say they cannot have closure until they know exactly what happened to their relative, (pictured, clockwise from top left) Mohammed Aslam with his daughter, Nadia; wife, Nasreen; and son, Hassan – who also suffers from muscular dystrophy

“As a family we have a right to know. We have had no closure and are entitled to the truth.”

able to breathe on his own again.” The Aslam family are now demanding answers from the hospital after their initial requests were ignored. “We have written a letter to the hospital asking them to explain how Arslan so suddenly fell ill again,” he said. “I just want it in black and white. I am in no frame of mind to speak face-to-face with them about my son so all I ask for is it in writing. “As a family we have a right to know. We have had no closure and are entitled to the truth.” In a statement provided by Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, they confirmed there will be no inquest into Arslan’s death. “Our sympathies are with Mr Aslam and his family during this time,” it read. “We are more than happy to meet with the family to discuss any questions they have in relation to the sad death of their son, and ask them to contact us to arrange this meeting.” Meanwhile, in the weeks following Arslan’s death, tributes were paid for the boxing enthusiast with pro-fighter, Mohammed Din wearing a special tribute top for the teen in his fight. Arslan’s school also released blue balloons into the sky as well as writing a book of condolence for the family. Mohammed said: “He was an incredible boy and you can see how much he meant to so many people. “We are still coming to terms with his death.”

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

‘Caring’ teen is UK’s youngest suicide bomber

KILLED: Talha Asmal fled to Iraq with fellow Dewsbury teen, Hasan Munshi in March

A new way to travel

Bradford Council’s Executive will consider changes to its home to school and college transport policy at its meeting on 23rd June. The changes to policy follow a public consultation undertaken between October 2014 and February 2015. Executive will consider plans to introduce a joint framework that would guide and support the delivery of travel assistance to children and adults. The framework aims to promote independence, choice and control and would help deliver a more cost effective service. Currently the Council spends in excess of £10.4m on travel assistance to 5% of the school population and £2.7m on adult transport. Under its New Deal initiative the Council is reviewing how its services are delivered by working with communities to target much more limited resources.

Click and collect at Dewsbury market

It’s become the norm for many shoppers to reserve and collect in store, and supermarkets are starting to embrace click and collect with depots popping up in supermarket car parks across the country. But, did you know, West Yorkshire’s very own Dewsbury Market is exploiting click and collect in a bid to draw in even more shoppers? The scheme launched at Dewsbury earlier this year and fifteen businesses at Dewsbury Market have already signed up plus one from Cleckheaton Market. There is no obligation to buy and no payment is made when goods are reserved. You simply reserve the item and arrange a time to call in to pick it up. If you change your mind it hasn’t cost you anything, but if you order this way you are guaranteed your goods will be ready to collect.

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West Yorkshire town in shock after death of local boy By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

exploited by persons unknown who hiding behind the anonymity of the world wide web targeted and befriended Talha and engaged in a process of deliberate and calculated grooming of him. “As a result of this and completely unbeknown to us, his family and entirely against our wishes he ended up travelling it seems to Iraq. “Whilst there it appears that Talha fell under the spell of individuals who continued to prey on his innocence and vulnerability to the point where if the press reports are accurate he was ordered to his death by so called ISIS handlers and leaders too cowardly to do their own ‘dirty’ work. “We are all naturally utterly devastated and heartbroken by the unspeakable tragedy that now appears to have befallen us. “We need time and understanding to come to terms with our unimaginable and painful loss. “As a family we would like to take this opportunity to unequivocally state that

A Dewsbury family say they are ‘devastated’ and ‘heartbroken’ after news broke on Monday morning that their son has been killed whilst carrying out a suicide bombing. 17-year-old Talha Asmal flew out to the war-torn nation of Iraq in March to join Islamic State insurgents alongside fellow local teen Hassan Munshi. Their disappearances were labelled ‘out of character’ at the time and prompted community leaders in the West Yorkshire town to question whether more could have been done to avoid their departure. On Monday 15th June, an ISaffiliated Twitter account confirmed that a young male named Abu Yusuf al-Britani believed to be Talha, detonated a vehicle fitted with explosives at an oil refinery attack in the northern Iraqi town of Baiji. At least 11 people were killed in the attack, which included a further three suicide bombers as well as Talha. In a statement released earlier this week, Talha’s parents said: “Talha comes from a close knit, hardworking, peace loving and law abiding British Muslim family. The entire family unreservedly condemns and abhors all acts of violence wherever perpetrated. “Talha himself was a loving, kind, caring and affable teenager. He never harboured any ill will against anybody nor did he ever exhibit any violent, WARNING: Farook Yunus, extreme or radical views of local community champion, any kind. says parents must become “Talha’s tender years and educated on the dangers of naivety were it seems however online grooming

‘ISIS’ are not Islam. They do not represent in any way, shape or form Islam and Muslims and we are no longer prepared to allow a barbaric group like ‘ISIS’ to hijack our faith. ‘ISIS’ Not and Never in our name. “As a family we would urge anyone who has any concerns about their own family members being exploited in a similar way to seek the help and advice of the police as soon as ever possible.” Farook Yunus, from Dewsbury, runs an award winning youth group –Kumon Y’all, in the town which works on promoting interfaith relations between all generations.

What they are saying: Imam Qari Asim, Leeds’ Makkah Masjid

“Human life is sacred in Islam, and to see a young person from one of our communities tricked into killing others and dying for the sake of this false ISIS ideology is truly heart-breaking. British Muslims have come together to reject this group, and now our voices are beginning to grow louder. “It is urgent that we expose the truth behind this hateful terrorist group, which wants to abuse our young people and use them for cannon fodder. Recently Imams launched ‘Haqiqah,’ a new online magazine which is helping to lead the digital fightback against ISIS, proving that the group has no claim to our religion.”

Saleha Jaffer, Families Against Stress and Trauma (FAST)

“The issue of online radicalisation of children in the UK is now on a scale never seen before. The suffering of the families of these children, who have been groomed online and stolen from the safety of their homes, cannot be put into words.

He said the dangers of online grooming were very real and urged more parents to get informed about the threat social media can play. “Engaging with the youth, through projects such as Kumon Y’all, is key to ensuring these incidents do not happen again,” he continued. “In that same sense, as much as an adult can teach a child about online safety, the children also play a role in teaching us. “Online grooming from extremists is a thing which did not necessarily effect the previous generation so we are all learning about this new threat all the time.” “I have been working with families like Talha Asmal’s for many years and the anguish caused when they hear that their son or daughter has been lied to and brainwashed by fanatics to be used as cannon fodder for an unjust cause like this is devastating, heart breaking and unbearable. “It is the responsibility of all of us, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends to tackle this danger to our young people and ensure we do all we can ensure radicals cannot target their vulnerable minds with their lies and false ideologies of hate.”

Hanif Qadir, Active Change Foundation

“It is saddening and devastating to see a young man like Talha Asmal, with his entire whole future ahead of him, conned into throwing his life away and killing others so that some criminals can try to take over an oil refinery. It is an absolute disgrace. “When we say ISIS is a cancer within Islam, this is what we mean – it is an ideological poison and a disease that is now killing our kids. We urgently need to work together to stop it, before any more young lives are wasted”.

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

Connecting this

Ramadan By Shaukat Warraich info@asianexpress.co.uk

It’s interesting to see the reactions from various people when the holy month of Ramadan comes around. There’s the enthusiastic/excited group, the ‘oh no it’s going to be so long’ group, and the nonchalant group who take it in their stride. Whichever group you may fall into, the reality for many Muslims young and old is that the memories collected over years of observing Ramadan are some of the most special. When people reflect and talk about previous Ramadans there’s always common themes, such as the zombie effect which takes control of most blurry eyed families as they wander down to the kitchen together before the sun has risen to have suhoor - the meal before the daily fast begins. As pots and pans go into operation and the smell of fresh bread and traditional suhoor dishes waft into the air, the silent zombie effect caves in as a hive of conversation and discussion ensues. The radio is playing with that all so familiar voice urging everyone to make the most of this holy month, to

What’s your Ramadan Memory?

pray more, to visit your neighbours, to help someone across the road – reminding us constantly that every good act this month is multiplied many times over in God’s infinite mercy.

table to break fast that set this month apart from any other for Muslims. Whether nowadays you open the fast at home or join the Mosque in a community Iftar a

One of my own fondest memories of Ramadan was of fasting as an eightyear-old, it was my first ever fast and I had made it through the day One of my own fondest memories of Ramadan was of fasting as an eight-year-old, it was my first ever fast and I had made it through the day. Then as I stood there in the kitchen full of pride and accomplishment helping my mum who was busy preparing the iftar meal, completely subconsciously a fresh, cool cucumber had made its way into my mouth. Oh the horror as I desperately spat it out feeling like I had fallen at the final hurdle, my mother looking on in amusement. It is these memorable incidents and those animated conversations as the family huddles around the

feeling of renewal and spiritual refreshment is undeniable. This year ImamsOnline, an online resource showcasing good practices, and offering MEMORY: Editor-in-chief of ImamsOnline, Shaukat Warraich, advice and education about shares his memories of his past Ramadan experiences the Islamic faith through a network of multiregardless of our faith make a denominational Imams and out of the holy month. As well as the series of videos, special pact this Ramadan. If each Mosques, is running the ‘Ramadan Imamsonline.com will also be one of us wakes up with the Reminders’ campaign. Through imamsonline.com each issuing a digital booklet capturing conscious decision to do just one day we will be featuring a different each participating Imam and special good deed, whether it be to Imam or scholar with a short video scholars’ reflection message, the free help someone across the road, to reflection to talk about their to download booklet will serve as a check in on an elderly relative, or memories, what Ramadan means to reminder of the importance of the simply buy a bunch a flowers for an old friend, think about how much them, with gentle reminders, and the holy month. So as a parting message, let’s all, better a place the world would be. things that they do to make the most

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A right royal design

Indian culture at heart of award winning fashion By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

Ten talented fashion students presented Sarah, Duchess of York, with a difficult dilemma last week as she returned to the University of Huddersfield to judge a fashion competition. The Duchess had set students a brief to design textile products that

could be made by Indian women who are being trained by a charity in which the member of royalty is closely involved. On Tuesday 16th June, she came to see the results and hear the students explain how they developed their vibrant designs for clothes and bathroom accessories such as wash bags. Then the Duchess had to decide which of the five portfolios would be

IMPRESSED: Students show off their designs with Sarah, Duchess of York, which will be developed by women in West Bengal as part of the Women’s Interlink Foundation

selected for possible production and the prospect of being placed on sale by major chain Topshop. She was clearly impressed by all of the offerings, even joking: “I would hate to be Simon Cowell.” But although she finally plumped for an overall winner, she also decided that there would be no losers, because the Duchess – clearly moved and impressed by all of the work on display - then declared that all of the student teams would have their designs produced and showcased by a new charitable website she is launching. Before she made this announcement, the Duchess selected the work of finalyear students Emily Cliffe – who has studied fashion design with textiles – and Chantelle Mallin, whose course was fashion design and marketing. The two students decided to concentrate on menswear for their range of wash bags, duffle bags and loungewear. Emily, aged 22, from Bridlington, produced the prints and Chantelle – aged 23, from Barnsley – worked on the designs. For inspiration they delved into Indian temple culture

and the imagery of the god Shiva, while choosing bold, contemporary colours. Shortly to graduate and seek work in the fashion industry, the two students were delighted to be chosen by the Duchess and they are excited that their designs, after being hand-made by Indian craftswomen, could be marketed by Topshop.

The Foundation provides the women with accommodation in safe houses, where they are taught skills such as sewing and textile printing. This enables them to produce garments that are sold overseas through an initiative named Key to Freedom, which will enable them to become economically independent. The Duchess is closely involved

WINNERS: Emily Cliffe and Chantelle Mallin, were the two overall winners, selected by the Duchess

The project originated with the Women’s Interlink Foundation (WIF), which works with young women from West Bengal who have been exposed from an early age to domestic abuse. Many have been trafficked into the sex trade.

with Key to Freedom, which is also partnered by major UK high street chain Topshop. They seek bold new designs for textile products that can be made by the West Bengali women and then placed on the market.

DISCUSS: Students speak with the Duchess about their designs, based on Indian culture

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Manningham stabbing arrest Suspect charged with murder and child destruction

TRAGIC: Nadia Khan was stabbed to death by her husband, Tariq, last weekend

The husband of a pregnant Bradford woman has been arrested on suspicion of stabbing his wife to death in Manningham last weekend. The body of Nadia Khan, 24, was discovered at her home address in Holker Street, at around 5pm on Sunday 14th June. She is believed to have died from a fatal stab wound to the chest and was reportedly six months pregnant at the time of the horrific attack. Her unborn child also sadly died. Two days later, on Tuesday 16th June, West Yorkshire Police arrested her husband, Tariq Khan, also from Bradford, on charges of murder and child destruction. The couple had allegedly split up just a week prior to the attack and Tariq was finally arrested after a large scale manhunt. Speaking earlier this week, West Yorkshire Police Detective Chief Inspector Mark McManus said: “At around 3am this morning detectives arrested a 26-year-old man from the Bradford Moor area of the city. “He was arrested on suspicion of

murder and remains in police custody this morning. “I can confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.” The victim’s family released a picture of Nadia, who leaves behind two other young children, aged three and five, following her tragic death. Detective Chief Inspector, Jim Dunkerley, from the force's homicide and major enquiry team, confirmed that they were offering support to the local community. “This was a very serious incident and will understandably cause a considerable amount of distress and upset amongst the local community,” he said. “To reassure local people we have increased patrols by neighbourhood officers in the area and I do not believe there is any wider danger to members of the public.” Anyone with information that can assist the investigation is asked to contact police via 101 quoting crime log number 1099 from the 14th June.

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OPEN: Children at Wibsey Primary School got to see their new library facilities for the first time earlier this week (pictured, l-r) Suleiman Faisal, Laura Heaton and Afraha Ahmed

READ-Y to learn New library brings thousands of books to primary school STUDY: The new learning space brings more than 2,000 books to the school

By Ashley Grint

ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

A new chapter in the history of a Bradford Primary School has begun this week with the official launch of their new interactive learning environment. Wibsey Primary School officially opened its new state-of-the-art library on Thursday 18th June, with special guest, Danny Mylo – of Pulse Radio, on hand to cut the ribbon. Joined by Headteacher Nigel Cooper, staff, students, trustees and even Blue Bookstart Bear, the event gave everyone a chance to explore the new facilities. The library sits alongside a new computer suite on a newly-created floor reached by an open stairway and completes an extensive remodelling programme at the school over the past few years. Two-thousand new books have been bought to add to those already in use in the library. In addition, a computerised lending system, which allows each pupil to have their own electronic library card, has been installed.

READING: The library was officially opened on Thursday 18th June

There is also new shelving and seating, including book cases shaped like VW Campervans, and an impressive learning area featuring images of some of Bradford’s most iconic landmarks. Headteacher, Nigel Cooper, explained how proud he was to see the school continue to offer up a 21st century environment for pupils. “We are really excited about the new library and are very pleased that Danny Mylo came down to officially open it. The library, with the wider choice of books, along with the computer suite, provides a colourful and exciting learning environment for the children. “The whole school, both inside and out, has changed beyond recognition in the past few years. “The building itself is over 100 years old, but inside it looks and feels colourful, bright and welcoming – very 21st century. We are all very proud of our school.” Christine Thwaite, resource and event manager at Wibsey Primary, added that it was great to finally open up the newest addition to the school. “We have over 700 pupils here so a library such as this is brilliant to ensure every child has access to these books,” she said. “Rather than just looking at this space as ‘books on a shelf’ we have made the area into an interactive library where pupils can come and learn in a way that they may not have been able to do so before.” Parents also got their chance to see the new learning space later in the afternoon on Thursday as they pick their children up from school.

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Our 2015/2016 Further Education Prospectus provides information about our huge range of careerfocussed courses for people aged between 16 and 18. We offer courses in a wide range of subjects including: Access to Higher Education, Apprenticeships, Arts and Media, Beauty Therapy, Business, Computing, Construction, Education, Early Years, Engineering, English, Entry Pathways, ESOL, Film, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Mathematics, Public Services, Science, Sport and Travel and Tourism. Our priority is to give you the edge when it comes to employment by offering you courses which meet the needs of local, regional and national employers. That is why you will enjoy guest speakers from

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high quality university education that helps students to reach their potential and make a rewarding contribution to their community. Dependant on your age and situation we have various sources of financial support to make studying that little bit easier, such as our Learner Support Fund Grants. If you are aged between 16 and 18, these grants provide a premium bursary and a standard bursary for those who need financial help

(subject to meeting eligibility criteria). For more information contact our Student Finance Team on 01274 433 246. Visit our next open day on Saturday 4th July between 11am – 2pm to find out more about our courses, meet our tutors, talk to our students and try hands-on activities which will give you a flavour of what your chosen subject is really like. You can also take a tour of our impressive new campus.

For more information about Bradford College or details about courses starting September 2015, please contact our friendly Course Enquiries Team on Tel: 01274 433 333, Email: information@bradfordcollege.ac.uk or visit: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk. You can also be part of the College community by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or Instagram.

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Restaurant manager takes food to those most in need GIFTS: As part of Tauseef Malik’s mission to take ‘Ramadan food parcels’ to those less fortunate in Pakistan, he also purchased special Eid outfits for all the children at a local orphanage

Healthy Skin in Ramadhan

During the holy month of Ramadhan, our routine, diet and food consumption change. But what you need to know is that this sudden change in your dietary habits, combined with the long period of daily fasting, can have a bad effect on your skin. A proper skincare regime is essential to avoid breakouts, dry patches, dull looking skin and all symptoms of the dehydration associated with fasting.

How can you take care of your skin during Ramadan?

• Clean, tone, exfoliate and moisturize your skin! The idea is to remove dead skin caused by the lack of water intake, restore the skin’s natural mineral levels and balance the skin’s oil production. • Fasting dehydrates the skin so it’s very important to make sure that you rehydrate after iftar.

• We recommend that between iftar and suhoor you drink at least eight glasses of water in addition to any other fluids.

Fact:The human body only absorbs 50 to 60 per cent of fruit juice, and just 20 to 30 percent of sodas.

• Eat healthy! There are many foods that can repair dehydrated skin, such as cashews or almonds which are packed with healthy fibers, fatty acids and proteins which will maintain your skin's glow.

• Fruits such as strawberries and blueberries are high in anti-oxidants, which are known for their positive effect on healthy skin. Dates are also a great source of anti-oxidants, vitamin A, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium that all promote optimum skin health. Apricots aid in the digestion process. Make the best out of your fasting by including healthy nutrients in your iftar and suhoor!

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A generous ‘gift’ this Ramadan Serving up meals to customers in Leeds is what Tauseef Malik has loved doing all his working life. In his role as manager at Leeds’ Mumtaz Restaurant, he has seen thousands of diners walk through his doors hungry and leave satisfied following the consumption of a trademark dish. However, following a visit to Pakistan in May, the 25-year-old from Bradford says his eyes were opened to a ‘different kind of hunger’, motivating him to take action overseas. He explained: “Whilst on my visit to Pakistan, a lady approached me in my village. She told me how she had TB and did not have enough money for SUPPORT: More than 200 houses were given food parcels whilst the orphanage was presented with a year supply of food

treatment as her husband was blind. “She said that she had to clean people’s houses to support her three children and her husband. Some days they didn’t even have enough food, so all her family would go to sleep on an empty stomach. “This made me realise just how these people were living in Pakistan. With Ramadan coming closer I thought how difficult it must be for these families to fast, with very little or no food.” Having also visited an orphanage in the South Asian country, Tauseef says he made it his goal to do something for these people to ‘look forward to and enjoy’. Tauseef returned to the UK the following week and instantly began his own project which looked at creating ‘Ramadan food packages’ for people in Pakistan. Raising funds through friends and family, plus contributing a large sum himself, he was able to create food parcels to feed over 200 houses with all types of ingredients such as flour, rice, chickpeas and dates all included. “In England we wake up in the morning with the thought of how we should spend our day, whether that’s shopping, buying the latest phones and following the latest fashion trends, whilst these people wake up wondering whether they will be able to feed their families, whether they will have enough food to eat for that day,” Tauseef added. “I thought to myself, ‘these people not only fast but have to work in the month of Ramadan’ and I saw it with my own eyes how

hard it was for them. This is when I thought I want to help them, and make it easier for them especially in the month of Ramadan.” SERVED: Tauseef distributes some At the start of June, of the food packages in Pakistan Tauseef returned to Pakistan with his truck load of food and was able to their faces. “Inshallah i hope to do this distribute the goods out to families in some of the poorest every year for Ramadan for more people and more poor houses, and areas. As part of the trip, the I would just like to thank my charitable Yorkshireman also family and friends for all their invited all the children from the help and support. “Without them i would not nearby orphanage to his accomodation for a special dinner have been able to help so many before presenting them with a people and a special thank you to the Rossis Ice Cream Company. year supply of food. “I would like to take this There was even a surprise gift opportunity to please ask people for each child. Tauseef explained: “I took all to help the poor families that live the children from the orphanage in Pakistan and many other shopping one day, and they all countries, many of these people chose their own Eid outfit, it was do not ask for help but really need the best feeling to see the smile on it.”

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LEADING: Karam and Katari Chand have been married for 89 years and were invited to lead the Girlington Parade earlier this month

Annual parade showcases the ‘Joy of Reading’

Great day in

Girlington School children overtook the four schools involved in making streets of Bradford earlier this this year’s event a success. month as the annual Girlington Leading the parade were local parade proved to be bigger and celebrities, the world’s longest better than ever, with the sun married couple, Karam and shining down on the city. Kartari Chand. Hundreds of people lined the Karam, 109, and his wife streets for the return of the Katari, 102, live in Girlington community event, which involves and every year guide the parade school children parading through through the streets in an open the streets with banners and costumes all on show. This year’s theme was a ‘Joy of Reading’, with youngsters producing pieces of art to showcase their passion for literacy, whilst many also dressed up as their favourite storybook characters. Girlington Primary, Whetley Academy, St Edmund’s Nursery PARADE: Hundreds of people lined the and St Philip’s CE streets to join in the annual celebrations Primary, were the

top car, waving to crowds who gather to watch. They have been married for an incredible 89 years and moved to Bradford in 1965 where they have called home for the past five decades. Mr and Mrs Chand’s son, Paul, said it was an honour for his parents to be invited once again to lead the celebrations. “Everyone had a really great time at the parade including my mum and dad,” he said. “It was a privilege for them to lead the children throughout the day and to see them enjoying themselves was just a fantastic feeling.” He added: “Thankfully the weather was also sunny throughout the day, only adding to the lovely parade.”

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Grooming gang jailed

Leeds men convicted for targeting vulnerable teenager GUILTY: (Clockwise from top left) Zafar Iqbal, Tariq Islam, Amir Zaman and Nasir Sultan

Four men from Leeds have been jailed for a total of 51 years after a ‘shocking catalogue of child sexual exploitation’ was uncovered. A jury at Leeds Crown Court were told earlier this month how a group of up to ten men had systematically groomed a 13-year-old victim by plying her with ‘cigarettes, alcohol and drugs’. Sentencing the four Leeds men, Judge Geoffrey Marson, QC said none of the defendants had shown any type of remorse for their actions during the six week trial. 31-year-old Tariq Islam, of Cross Quarry Street, Woodhouse, was jailed for 13 years after being convicted of two offences of rape, whilst Zafar Iqbal, 41, of Latchmere Drive, Horsforth, was handed a 15 year sentence for one offence of attempted rape and two of sexual activity with a child. Meanwhile, Nasir Sultan, 24, and Amir Zaman, 25, both of Beeston, were jailed for 12 years and 11

years respectively. Sultan, of Beeston Road, was convicted for two offences of rape whilst Zaman, of Sefton Terrace, was found guilty of four offences of sexual activity with a child. Andrew Penhale, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said there was a severe ‘breaching of trust’ from all the men convicted. “Ten individuals have been convicted of offences which involve a shocking catalogue of child sexual exploitation,” he said. “The victim was targeted by older men precisely because of her youth and vulnerability. “The offences involved an appalling breach of trust - the victim was groomed and plied with cigarettes, alcohol and drugs to make her compliant. “The defendants then showed a complete lack of remorse for their actions, with ten of them claiming throughout the contested trial that the allegations were fabricated, or that

they believed the victim to be over 16.” He added: “The victim of these terrible crimes has shown immense courage, not only to make a complaint initially but to then give evidence in a long and complicated trial. The prosecution of these men could not have succeeded without her evidence. We hope that the sentences handed down today will help her to begin to rebuild her life.”

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Goodbye

SONG: Miss Pickering was treated to a special tune from Rose Court’s choir earlier this month

Miss Pickering Pupils bid farewell to outgoing head with unique CD The retiring head of a nursery and preprep school in Leeds will always have the music of her students to remember her teaching days by, thanks to a special gift she received last week. Children and staff at Rose Court teamed up and recorded a CD as a tribute to Anne Pickering, whose love of music has been an inspiration to creative life at the nursery throughout her 25 years leading the school. In a day long recording session all the children, aged from three to seven, took their turn singing their hearts out in year groups or altogether, performing songs directed from the piano by music teacher Chris Turner. Mr Turner explained: “The CD will be dedicated to Anne Pickering, as a tribute from everyone at Rose Court on her retirement.

“It’s a great honour and there’s nothing I would rather be associated with more than music. Music teaches so many other skills – listening, cooperation, teamwork, selfconfidence and self-esteem. “I chose the title ‘Time for a Song’ because Anne has always been so incredibly supportive of music and in Rose Court there has always been ‘time for a song’.” The CD was professionally recorded by School Recording Stars and the sleeve will feature the artwork of Year Two pupil Dimitra Pountou, who won a competition to design the cover. Miss Pickering added: “It’s a great honour and there’s nothing I would rather be associated with more than music. Music teaches so many other skills – listening, cooperation, teamwork, self-confidence and

self-esteem. “A musical school is a good school; children can develop a love of music that stays with them for life.” Rose Court is the nursery and pre-prep of The Grammar School at Leeds. Mike Gibbons, GSAL’s principal and chief executive, said Miss Pickering will be missed and hopes the gift would be a fitting tribute to his long time colleague. “Anne has been an outstanding head teacher, who is very loved and respected by pupils, parents and staff,” he said. “Many of our senior pupils started their school career with Anne at Rose Court and think of her with great affection. “We are sorry to see her go and are full of gratitude, and wish her a long and happy retirement.” Anne Pickering’s successor as head of Rose Court will be current deputy head Mrs Jo Hall.

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SUPPORT: Osman Gondal, founder and board member of the InTouch Foundation, says the charity relies on donations to continue the work they do, pictured receiving a cheque from Torque’s Louise Blamires

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InTouch with families The founder of a growing Bradford charity, which provides food to those most in need across West Yorkshire, says more families are using their services than ever before. Osman Gondal, of the

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InTouch Foundation, says all three mobile soup kitchens, in Bradford, Leeds and Keighley, have seen considerable increases in demand from families. As well as serving warm meals to the homeless, any persons who are struggling financially are able to use the InTouch services with the new demographic reaching an all time high this summer. Osman, who is also a board member of the charity, explained: “Our vision is to bring attention to our plight and provide an organisation where volunteers can become directly involved in the preparation and feeding of the less fortunate that exist on the edge of our society. “We have seen a considerable increase in the number of families and individuals using our services which is a worrying trend.” Last week, the charity was presented a cheque of £1,651 from Bradford-based

international logistics service provider Torque. Raising funds through a series of initiatives, from bake offs to quizzes and dress down days, the funds will go towards helping the charity continue to provide much needed services on the streets across the county. Osman added: “We can't thank Torque enough for their continued support. “InTouch Foundation is run by volunteers and completely relies on fundraising and financial donations to continue its valuable work in the area.” Stewart Firth, head of operations at Torque, said the company was delighted to support an organisation on its doorstep which did such valuable work. He added: “We have a long tradition of working with the local community and are glad to be working with such a worthwhile cause. We are pleased to have been able to do something that will really make a difference to the InTouch Foundation.”

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Give a Gift 2015 launches Gala dinner kicks off annual charity drive by Leeds’ Muslim community

The third annual Give a Gift dinner arrived with a touch of style last week as 300-plus guests were given a red carpet welcome to help launch this year’s charitable events. Since 2013, the Give a Gift team have been raising funds and awareness for local charities - Martin House Children’s Hospice and the Children’s Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary - through a number of initiatives. The annual dinner not only helps launch the start of the year’s campaigning work but also commends those who have put so much effort into making the project a success in recent times. On Friday 5th June at the Aagrah Midpoint, dozens of children took centre stage as they were awarded with the title of ‘Young Ambassadors’ for

AWARDED: Children who have helped promote the Give a Gift initiative were awarded with trophies and the titles of ‘Young Ambassadors’

their work on different projects. Presented with trophies on stage by host Ruby Malik, the children became the latest to be recognised for the ongoing support they provide and launched this year’s grand toy appeal. In keeping with the youth theme,

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children also helped launch a new concept for the initiative this year – the Give a Gift Challenges. From Sky diving to climbing Mt Snowdon, a number of new ventures are now available from the Give a Gift team in hope of raising even more money for the local causes. Give a Gift ambassador, Rifhat Malik, said the event proved to be a fantastic evening, raising £20,000 for charity, and hoped this year’s initiative would be the best yet. “Over the past two years, we have seen how the local Muslim community can come together to help out some fantastic causes such as Martin House and the Children’s Heart Unit,” she said. “Following our launch event last week, I am confident that we can build on our previous success and make 2015 an even bigger and better year for all involved. “The dinner on Friday night had a VIP theme to it because we wanted to show that each and every person involved with Give a Gift, is a ‘very important person’ to us.” Entertainment on the night was provided by a number of acts, including a freestyle dancer, whilst speeches were given from charity representatives. On behalf of Martin House, community fundraiser, Sarah

Tarpey, spoke of the work the hospice does and the important role donations play in the upkeep of the charity. She was joined on stage by Julie Walker – a mother of a child who uses the services, and gave her

INSPIRING: Give a Gift Young Ambassador, Shreya Naik, smiles with her award

emotional account of the the work the charity does for families such as hers. “Julie’s story was so touching,” Rifhat added. “It is for people like this that we do the work we do, and I think everybody was touched by the message she put

across.” The night was concluded with a special presentation to a young Leeds resident called Jake Frood, who at just five-years-old is the youngest black belt in the world. Jake qualified for the British Championships in Spain later this year and thanks to a £1,500 sponsorship arrangement from Give a Gift and Parkland Properties, his dream trip can now come true. “That is what Give a Gift is all about,” Rifhat said, “giving back to the young children who need some help. “Last week’s event was enough to motivate any person to get on board this year and help us raise vital funds for children in the care of Martin House and the Children’s Heart Unit.” The Give a Gift concept was developed by a partnership of organisations who recognised the need for the Muslim Community to play a wider role within mainstream society. The Asian Express will be keeping readers up to date with all upcoming Give a Gift projects, with the flagship toy distribution arriving next month. If you would like to get involved with any of the Give a Gift challenges, contact the team on 07734 882 116.

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LAUNCH: During the dinner last week, new Give a Gift Challenges were launched, giving more people the chance to join in fundraising efforts (l-r) Akasah Naik, Siyam Siraj, Henna Rashid, Hibah Malik, Hajra Rafique, Ruby Malik, Abby Khan

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

LAW GRADUATE TURNED PERFUME DESIGNER

Leeds man launches his own fragrance line A law graduate and fragrance enthusiast from Leeds is hoping to see his name alongside other high street perfume brands in the near future, as he launches his own exclusive fragrance line. At just 22-yearsold, Arun Virdi says he has already found his life’s calling,

ENTREPRENEUR: Arun Virdi has always been passionate about fragrances and has now launched his first ladies perfume ‘Sweet Bow’

as his foray into the fragrance industry has produced its first hit with the ladies perfume ‘Sweet Bow’. A light floral scent, developed to highlight your presence, the product is the first to be released under the Arun Virdi brand with a male scent soon to be in production by early 2016. Explaining how he has always had a passion for fragrances, Arun said: “Fragrance for me is all about

creating an atmosphere, an emotional connection to people, places, situations and most importantly a sense of wellbeing. “It all started back when I was in high school and used to bring in a collection of fragrances. “You see all these big brands and celebrity names on fragrances, and one day I thought, I could do that,” Arun added. “I’ve always been a creative person. But it was when I turned 18-

years-old that I had the idea of creating my own fragrance brand.” With Sweet Bow already available online, and discussions ongoing to possibly launch in retail outlets soon, everything is going to plan for the young entrepreneur. However, less than five years ago, the exciting young designer was still studying for a law degree with the intention of becoming a barrister. Designing as a hobby in his free time, it wasn’t until he saw a documentary featuring some of the world’s most successful teens that he decided to commit to his ‘real field of interest’. Arun said: “I enjoyed studying law, but always knew I wanted to start my own business. “I aspire to be just like Peter Jones off Dragons Den, who is one of my favourite motivational and inspirational figures I look up to. I would love to work with him someday. “Every aspect of this first product has been designed specifically to give the customer a product that not only smells and looks good, but offers affordability. “It has taken a long time to develop this first fragrance, but I am looking forward to expanding the Arun Virdi line in the very near future.” To keep up to date with the Arun Virdi brand, visit www.arunvirdi.com or search for the fragrance brand on Facebook.

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Masjid-e-Quba opens its doors Harehills’ new mosque welcomes over 1,000 worshippers FULL: People prayed in the streets as the two prayer halls inside were packed

The opening of Leeds’ newest mosque finally arrived this week with around 1,100 people turning out for the first call to prayer. The Masjid-e-Quba was built in just seven months and brings a new state-of-the-art place of worship to the Harehills area. Located on the corner of Hares Avenue and Shepherds Lane, worshippers prayed outside in the sunshine on Friday 12th June as the two prayer halls were packed full for a memorable launch. Followed by the serving of food, the day was a big success and highlighted the ‘need’ for the new development in the area. Chairman of the Masjid, Rana Akram, and secretary, Akhlaq Mir, said they were delighted to see the doors open for the first time after watching the development in recent months. Mr Mir continued: “It’s overwhelming to see the

construction finished. I am speechless. “On behalf of the committee at the Masjid-e-Quba, we would like to thank the community for their generosity in helping to fund the development of this site. “To now be open before Ramadan is a great feeling.” Treasurer of the Masjid, Muhammad Farooq, added that the generosity of the local public had been unimaginable. “It is very moving to see the public get behind this project,” he said. “This community has really come together to make this possible.” Construction of the building was carried out by Ontime Constructions with the latest technological equipment installed. Notably the place of worship is one of only two mosques in the country to have been fitted with

the latest VRF air conditioning systems. Contractor and developer, Aihtsham Rashid, said: “Usually a mosque in the UK will take between one and two years to construct but we were able to complete this within just a fraction of that time. “We have beaten all our targets and managed to open in time for the holy month of Ramadan. “No other mosque in England or Europe has been built at the same speed of this one. “A big thank you goes to all the people who helped make this possible and the committee for their continuous support.” Back in November 2014, the foundation stone for the new Masjid was laid by honourable guest scholar, Hanif Jalandhari, general secretary of the largest federation of Islamic Seminaries, Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia.

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

‘Prize of a lifetime’ for Leeds student Studying in Leeds has many benefits, from first class teaching to vibrant surround-ings, there are so many reasons to love the city. And now, for one international student, there are a further 7,000 reasons after she picked up a regional award last week. Arundhati Patel, from America, is currently a third year student on a Graphic and Communication Design course at the University of Leeds and was selected from hundreds of entrants to be named as the Leeds Student Icon 2015. success in the city-wide competition means she will now receive a once in a lifetime prize which includes a year’s free tenancy in a luxurious IconInc apartment, worth £7,000. The 25-year-old, who is also course representative for the school of design, was chosen for her evident ‘creative flare, hard work and dedication’ as an active student at the local university. ‘Aru’ as she is known, said it was a fantastic feeling to have won the prestigious award. “Delighted doesn't begin to express how I feel about winning Leeds Student Icon 2015,” she said. “It will give me the opportunity and time to continue my work with charities and societies while studying. “As it will be my final year at the University of Leeds, I hope to save up enough to travel more

after I graduate and continue to be inspired by different people and cultures. “More than anything, I am extremely touched and grateful to all of the support I received for this contest - I owe a lot of people cupcakes.” From design to dance, Aru uses her creativity in all aspects of her life, and is involved in a number of international societies, speaking six languages herself.

Director of Parklane Group of Companies who owns IconInc, explained why this list of credentials, plus much more, ensured Aru was selected for the award. “We launched the Leeds Student Icon competition, which is in its first year, to shine a spotlight on the remarkable and inspiring young people studying in our city,” he said. “All too often the student community is recognised for the

Academic named ‘student icon of the year’ Her active participation at university has seen her join a number of groups from the National Hindu Students Forum to the Leeds South Asian Society, as well as the Japanese and Korean Society. On top of all that, she also dances competitively at Leeds Dancesport, specialising in ballroom and Latin, and recently was a background dancer in a Bollywood film that was shooting in Leeds. Naveen Ahmed, Managing

wrong reasons, and we wanted to celebrate the great and good of Leeds students and reward somebody special with the prize of a lifetime. “The judges were extremely impressed with Aru’s hard work, determination and compassion, as were the Leeds public who came forward in their masses to vote for Aru. We hope she enjoys her year’s free tenancy with IconInc, and look forward to uncovering even more inspiring students in 2016.”

WINNER: Arundhati Patel was named Student Icon of the Year for Leeds, bagging herself a year’s free accommodation during her studies worth £7,000

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

Charity dinner raises funds for 1,240 families

123-125 Barkerend Road, Bradford BD3 9AU. Email: shazad.hdad@shdadsolicitors.com Office Telephone: 01274 731000

• 24 hours Free Police Station Representation Tel 07968333175 • Magistrates Court • Crown Court • Free Initial Consultation Specialist Criminal Defence Solicitors authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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BUSY: Over 500 people attended the event last week to help raise funds for Islamic Relief

‘Inspirational night’ A special charity dinner in Bradford welcomed guests from around the world last week as the plight of Syrian refugees was heard in the city centre. More than 500 people attended the Islamic Relief organised event on Sunday 7th June, and together were able to raise enough funds to support more than 1,000 families. The night also signalled the launch of the charity’s ‘when you stop fasting, they don’t’ campaign, by Islamic Relief UK director, Jehangir Malik – aiming to bring support to people across the globe fighting poverty. Since the start of the ongoing conflict in Syria, millions have been affected and forced to flee the nation, seeking refuge in bordering countries and elsewhere. Abdul Basit Ali, speaking on behalf of Islamic Relief, explained how more than 12 million people had been effected by the ongoing conflict, making the need for humanitarian aid in Syria ‘greater than ever’. “There are over five-million children in Syria who need basic food, medical assistance and education,” he said. “With opportunities stolen, health compromised and parents lost, children are the worst affected, leaving them on the edge of survival.” He added that it was often the most vulnerable who were now being left to support their families. “The women of Syria are paying the highest price; having lost husbands and sons and brothers, many are taking on the financial and emotional responsibilities for their whole families,” he continued. “For some, fleeing is the only option - yet many end up in places where shortages of basic food and healthcare make the difference between life and death. “More than four years into the conflict, the suffering continues across Syria. At

PERFORMER: Imam Johari from the US gave a passionate speech on the night

Islamic Relief we will continue to do our part in Syria and around the world.” Amongst the specially flown in guests in for the Islamic Relief dinner last week, was world renowned nasheed artist, Zain Bhikha, who performed a selection from his new album ‘The Passing Traveller’. Meanwhile, US speaker, Imam Johari, was another international performer, and he was joined by local MP’s Naz Shah and Imran Hussain. Local businessman and affiliate of Islamic Relief, Sajad Hussain, explained more about the work the charity carries out around the world. “Islamic Relief is one of the biggest Muslim charities in the world. Operating in 52 countries, they are one of only three registered charities recognised by the Disaster Emergency Committee,” he said. “Although the headquarters may be in Birmingham, Bradford is considered as the hub of operations for the charity and the support was clearly seen last week throughout the inspirational night. “Islamic Relief is now starting its affiliate programme in the Yorkshire area which aims to build up a tight network of professionals within this region.”

Meet the Team Iman Jackson

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MUSIC: Renowned nasheed artist, Zain Bhikha, performed some of his latest singles and was joined on stage by children

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Bringing Fish & Chips to the 21st Century

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Give blood, save a life Calls made for more BME donors A cancer survivor is calling on more members of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BME) communities to come forward and give blood after having his own life ‘saved’ by donors. Pradeep Thakkar was diagnosed with the rare disease, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, in 2005 resulting in him losing many of his own red blood cells during chemotherapy and requiring blood transfusions to counteract the condition. Unfortunately for the now 62-year-old, the disease spread and came back after 15 months. Despite undergoing further chemotherapy and blood transfusions - his only hope for long-term survival was a stem cell transplant. During the first round of treatment the doctors had not found a donor across Europe but this time they did – a young mixed race man from here in the UK in Bristol. Pradeep said: “They found the leukaemia while they were investigating a blocked artery. I’d had symptoms like shortness of breath but I ignored them because I thought it was because I was a smoker and I wasn’t fit. “It was shocking – you hear it happens to

other people but you don’t think it will happen to you. During the chemotherapy I had six blood transfusions of two units each. It was fantastic to get the transplant because when you relapse there was no other treatment. “The cancer would have kept coming back. I wouldn’t be here – I would have died. When you have the stem cell transplant it’s like you have alien bodies going into your body, and your body is fighting back, it completely takes it out for you for three or four months.” He added: “I am all for blood donations and stem cell transplant – they saved my life. The more people that do it the better.” Currently, people from BME communities make up less than five per cent of those who have donated blood within the last 12 months, despite representing around 14 per cent of the population. NHS Blood and Transplant now requires a further 6,500 more donations from Black, Asian and mixed race donors this year compared to last year to keep up with the demand. Visit www.blood.co.uk for more information on how you can save a life.

APPEAL: Pradeep Thakkar survived his battle with cancer after successfully finding a stem cell donor and is now appealing for more people to give blood

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

‘Proving the doubters wrong’ Britain’s Got Talent star releases short film and eBook

DETERMINED: Rafi Raja says he hopes to turn his short film into a feature length movie

After a more than memorable appearance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014, Bradford’s own Rafi Raja is back, as he released his own short movie and short story last week. Aiming to prove his critics wrong, the determined writer, director and producer from Girlington has released his first eBook entitled ‘Love...It’s never easy’. Based on the script of the short film by the same name, the story follows the relationship between a small town man and big city woman and the complications that arise from within their Asian communities. The ‘classic’ love story rapidly teaches that love is never easy and at times the journey takes unexpected twists and turns. At just 20 minutes long, Rafi’s short film is still a long way from hitting the big screens yet he remains confident in his abilities to progress further in the field. “The movie was written, directed and produced by myself,” he said. “It is just a short version of what could be as it was produced on a low budget and with extreme time constraints. “I am now aiming to release a professionally produced feature length movie in partnership with a professional

production company with one already agreeing to work alongside the project. “There are many actors in the UK and Bollywood who will be sent a script soon so casting can begin.” Away from the writing, Rafi adds that he is confident that he can still prove his doubters wrong after his Bollywood-style performance on Britain’s Got Talent. Despite many positive comments about his enthusiasm, he was also subjected to what he labelled as ‘cyber-bullying’ with the controversial Katie Hopkins amongst those who had their say. She previously tweeted: “Rafi doesn’t have a day job. He is unemployed. In Birmingham. Who’d a thought?” Rafi hopes his new short film will be the beginning of his comeback, adding: “Katie Hopkins you are a cyber-bully, I know how to take on bullies...to stay quiet and work under silence.”

MEMORABLE: Rafi Raja’s appearance on Britain’s Got Talent is a highlight for many from the 2014 series

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SUCCESS: At 19 years of age, Aukash Zahid has already seen his work published in 19 books

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The power of poetry To forge a career in poetry is something very few people will ever get the chance to do, yet for one 19-year-old from Cambridge, he is already well on his way to becoming a famed wordsmith. Aukash Zahid, who is currently studying at Kingston University, has already seen his work published in 19 separate books since he began his foray into the literary field four years ago. Balancing his passion for writing with a modelling career, the young poet is an upcoming talent on the writing scene and recently launched his own CD from which his poems are recited. Currently studying Journalism as a ‘back up plan’, he says it is his love for poetry which he hopes will pave a career for him, even sharing his skills with schools across the country. “When I first started writing at the age of 15, I would have never imagined getting published in 19 books before the age of 19,” he said. “In the Summer of 2014 I had a radio tour, from which I gained a lot of exposure. “I was on quite a few TV shows during that time as well, and in September 2014, I was receiving offers from primary schools across the country to come in, and give their students poetry taster sessions and lectures on how I got into poetry.

Published poet promotes writing in schools

“It was a great experience. It was nice to see so many young children writing, and asking me for advice. “I was amazed by a lot of the work the students produced.” Whilst balancing the right rhythm with the right words is something Aukash now specialises in, he says his own experiences as a British Asian Muslim inspires much of his work. Also labelling Muhammad Ali as an inspiration, he explained what messages he tried to share through his writing. “Poetry is a great way to express your feelings,” he said. “Writing your feelings down is sometimes much easier than talking. “When working on my poems, I like to touch on many sensitive topics, as I want my readers to be able to relate to what they are reading. “During my school tour, a lot of my writing material was focused on bullying and mental health. I believe it is important for children to be educated on these topics, as so many people fall victims of such hardship.”

Smile –

by Aukash Zahid

A smile is an effortless gift to give, And can improve someone's day, During tough times, A smile is the best thing to display. A smile can be used to hide your pain, And your worries and tears, A smile can be used as a blanket, To cover up your fears. A smile is your enemy’s worst nightmare, And your haters most terrible sight, If ever in doubt or darkness, Use your smile to make the room bright. So if anybody ever says you're not good enough, And makes you feel miserably and grey, Just keep your chin up, And smile away!

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Listers Health Early sign up offer from just £19.99 per month T

ime is running out for ladies across Bradford to take advantage of the early sign up offer at the city’s newest gym, set to cut pounds off your bills as well as inches off your waistline. Listers Health, in Heaton, will officially open its doors later this year with prospective members already taking advantage of the reduced membership rates. For the first 500 members who sign up, monthly prices will be set at a reduced price of just £19.99 a month – a £10 saving on the usual fee. The gym is still on target for its summer launch and is already operational with a brand new expansive range of Life

Fitness equipment all ready for you to use. Project manager, Shazia Sarwar, says she never expected such a fantastic response to the sign up offer and urged any interested members to get their name down quick, before time runs out. “We have been overwhelmed with the response to our early sign up offer and only have a limited number of memberships left for people to take advantage of,” she said. “For just £19.99 per month, ladies are able to use all the facilities in the gym, which will be raising the bar for other establishments in Bradford. “All our equipment is amongst

the best available across the whole city and there is something for every person to help them achieve their goals.” Listers Health is the premium health and wellbeing centre in Bradford, boasting state-of-theart equipment in an environment like no other. Work towards your fitness goals in a place you can make your own, or utilise the services of personal trainers, on hand to keep you on the road to success. Maureen Coverdale is the Gym Manager and Personal Trainer dedicated to helping you smash your targets. She added: “We already have hundreds of members signed up and there is a real energy

around the place even though the gym is not completely finished. “I invite all prospective members to come down and have a look at what makes Listers Health the best.” As well as a spacious workout area, a spin studio has also been developed onsite whilst a hightech sauna provides the perfect space to warm down after a tough session. Developments do not stop

there though, with the Gym also set to launch an exclusive online space, coinciding with their official launch, later this year. Everything from fitness tips to blogs will be available on the easy to access knowledge base, giving every member that bit more support they may need. Contact the gym today to get your membership sorted at this specially discounted rate and begin your journey to a better you.

Lister Mills, Heaton Road, Bradford, BD9 5BE Tel: 01274 270607 Web: www.listershealth.co.uk

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Rihanna’s Rights E

arlier this year the Court of Appeal affirmed a decision by the High Court that the pop star Rihanna could prevent the British fashion retailer Topshop from selling clothing featuring her image without her consent. In 2012, Topshop began selling a fashion t-shirt featuring Rihanna’s image which was taken from a photograph of her when she was making a video for one of her albums. The photograph showed Rihanna with her hair tied above her head with a head scarf and had been taken by an independent third party photographer who had then licensed its use to Topshop. Topshop did not obtain a licence from Rihanna to use that image and she therefore brought a claim for passing off against it on the basis that buyers of the t-shirt would wrongly believe that she had endorsed it. Rihanna’s case was not about image rights, a concept which is not recognised in English law. It was also not a case about privacy or copyright. Instead, Rihanna argued that the sales of the t-shirts without her consent constituted “passing off”. To bring a claim for passing off a business needs to show that it has goodwill or a reputation in its name or branding, that the Defendant has misrepresented itself as being connected with the reputation of the business and that the business has consequently suffered a loss from such misrepresentation. Although simply selling a t-shirt bearing an image of a famous person does not in itself amount to passing off, in the Rihanna case she demonstrated that she had invested substantial efforts in building her reputation as a fashion icon and therefore had created goodwill

not only as a musician but also in the fashion world. Given the background of the particular photograph on the tshirts, Rihanna argued that some of her fans would mistakenly assume that it was part of the marketing campaign for her album and as a result those fans could be misled into thinking that it had been authorised by her. This, Rihanna claimed, would damage her goodwill through loss of sales to her merchandising business and loss of control over her reputation in the fashion world. Given that Topshop had previously made significant efforts to associate itself with Rihanna’s brand, such as publicising her visits to their stores, the High Court found that it had sought to take advantage of Rihanna’s public position and as such its actions constituted passing off. Topshop appealed against the decision, contending that the Judge had made a number of errors in reaching his conclusion. However, the Court of Appeal disagreed. They decided that the Judgment in 2013 was correct and dismissed Topshop’s appeal. This case sets a precedent in relation to the use of a celebrity’s image on clothing and highlights the fact that a celebrity’s goodwill is capable of extending beyond their own industry. It also serves as a warning to retailers to be cautious on how they use a celebrity’s image on their products particularly when they do not have permission to use that image. Designers, manufactures and retailers should therefore consider taking legal advice before using a celebrity’s image as this case will undoubtedly be used by celebrities to prevent the unauthorised use of their image on merchandise.

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

Going Far away, think Fairway

Fairway Travel L

ooking to getaway this summer but tired of shopping around all the high street agencies to find that one perfect trip? Well look no further, as Fairway Travel brings all the best deals to the heart of Yorkshire, from Abu Dhabi to Zante, and everywhere in between. Set up just over 12 months ago, the ‘new kids on the block’ have been growing in reputation since day one, with their independent structure allowing the team more freedom when building holiday packages. Unlike other agencies, Fairway are not limited on their choice of airlines or hotels, and as such, are not only able to meet all of the client’s specifications but also their budgets. Earlier this year for example, a couple were looking to book a romantic

trip to Bora Bora and had been quoted £9,000 per person at one of the most well-known high-street retailers. That same couple then visited Dewsbury’s fastest rising agency and not only found the exact same deal, but were only quoted £5,000 ‘all in’ for flights and luxury accommodation. Great packages like these are offered up on a daily basis via Fairway Travel’s Facebook Page so be sure to ‘Like’ them and keep an eye out for some exclusive deals. Fazila Sharif, director at Fairway Travel, explained how her passion for finding holiday-makers the perfect setting for their getaway, was the inspiration behind her enthusiastic role. “As every customer that comes in to see us has different needs, it is our job to build that one holiday package that is completely

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suited to them,” she said. “There are all types of enquiries we receive, from families wanting a childfriendly holiday, to couples looking to book that extra special trip for a honeymoon, and we are always on hand to find each customer the most competitive deal around. “All accommodations have also been thoroughly checked over and reviewed, and we will never recommend anywhere that our own travel team would not stay themselves.” With the summer season now upon us, more and more enquiries are being made to the ATOLprotected agency every week, with holidaymakers planning their perfect getaway for 2015. So, when planning your trip this year, no matter how far-away, think Fairway for all your holiday needs.

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

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ith the summer holidays just around the corner, school pupils across the country are preparing to enjoy six weeks of hopeful sunshine as they have a well earned rest from their educational lives. Unfortunately the situation for parents is often not so straightforward with the difficulties of booking six weeks off work a harsh reality for many. Thankfully for families in Bradford, Raising Explorers are on hand for all your childcare needs. The Ofsted approved afterschool learning club provides the perfect environment for youngsters to enjoy their summer holidays alongside fellow children and a team of enthusiastic support staff and teachers. As well as maintaining their educational ethos, Raising Explorers have proved in recent years that they are the ‘club who care’ when it comes to ensuring children in the city have a summer to remember. From trips to Drayton Manor and Lightwater Valley to agricultural and even educational visits, there is an abundance of happenings this year at Bradford’s leading afterschool club. Interclub games and tournaments will also be held on the club’s expansive grounds, ensuring every child has the chance to shine. Speaking on behalf of the after school club, Khalil Shah said it was going to be an action packed summer for all children at Raising

‘The after school learning club’

Web: www.raisingexplorers.co.uk

Explorers. “We have so much planned for the kids over the coming months and are always looking at new ways of ensuring there is something for everyone on offer,” he said. “Rather than sitting in front of a television all day, children at Raising Explorers get the chance to enjoy day trips, socialise with friends in a safe environment, and even learn at the same time. “Feedback from recent years only confirms that our care is amongst the best in the city and we look forward to another fun six weeks this year.” Just two of the children who attended some of the exciting trips last year were eight-year-old Aisha Yusef, and Ya’qoob Khan, 12. The pair explained what they most enjoyed previously and said they couldn’t wait to do it all over again. “Last year we went on every single ride and loved every minute of it,” Aisha said, whilst Ya’qoob added: “I love the holidays because I get to have so much fun at Raising Explorers.” Extended opening hours will be in operation over the holiday period, opening doors at 8.30am and closing at 7pm, Monday to Friday. Weekend hours remain the same, running from 10am until 3pm. Children who enrol this summer will also be eligible for the iPad giveaway offer, if they meet the requirements. So, with limited spaces available, make sure you contact Raising Explorers soon to give your child a summer to remember.

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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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

SA Sewing Machines & Pfaff Service Centre A specialist service every time W ith over 65 years of combined experience, and with showrooms in Rochdale, Oldham and Leeds, SA Sewing Machines and the specialist Pfaff Service Centre, between them boasts dozens of machines for every sewers needs - be it Industrial or Domestic. Both businesses have grown immensely in size and reputation over the past few decades, working with every type of client from national businesses to individual customers. As a result of their commitment to providing a friendly personal service, the reliable high quality retailers can now offer the most competitive pricing around. Saeed Ahmed, owner of SA Sewing Machines and Mark Briggs, owner of the Pfaff Service Centre agree that: “We appreciate that for all of our customers, value for money is perhaps the most important consideration but without compromising quality. We manage to strike this balance by using skilled traditional craftsmanship whilst being able to offer modern technology” They have approximately 80 different sewing machines on display at any one time, shared

between Rochdale, Oldham and Leeds, with prices starting from as little as £99, all set up and ready for demonstration. New industrial machines start at just £399 whilst Roller Presses begin from only £999. These presses have proven to be an asset to hoteliers, restaurants, residential and nursing homes, colleges and any establishments which have regular ironing and pressing requirements As well as home sewers who enjoy dressmaking, quilting or embroidery, SA Sewing Machines also work with local community centres, schools, colleges, councils, hospitals, factories and manufacturers, tailors and alteration outlets, furniture and vehicle upholsterers and regularly exhibit at exhibitions in Manchester and Harrogate. Meanwhile, Mark has been a

Pfaff sewing machine, overlocker and iron press specialist since 1980, and was trained by Pfaff in Germany, utilising his skills all over Europe. SA Sewing Machines, whose showrooms cover Rochdale and Oldham and the surrounding Lancashire and Manchester areas, has an excellent selection of both domestic and industrial models at the Rochdale branch from basic flat bed machines and overlockers to under bed trimmers, walking foot machines, zigzag and twin needle models to name but a few. The Oldham branch offers an array of domestic machines and a selection of flatbed industrial machines primarily for home sewers. The Pfaff Service Centre in Leeds also carries a good

selection for those people living in Yorkshire. Specialist machines are available to order at all locations and can meet any specific requirements you might have. Whether you are a business owner looking to purchase a high grade sewing machine or

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roller press, or a home sewing enthusiast, SA Sewing Machines and the Pfaff Service Centre are here to help you. “Come and visit your local shop and don’t forget we have excellent service and repair centres.”

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‘Greece can avoid euro crash’ PROFITABLE: Airbus received orders and commitments for new aircraft worth in excess of £35billion

Sky’s the limit The Paris Airshow proved more profitable than expected for Airbus earlier this week, as the giant firm won new orders for 124 aircraft worth over £10billion. Further reasons to celebrate for the manufacturers came later in the day as more commitments were made for plane purchases worth £25billion, including a lastminute deal with Wizz Air. The planemaker's chief executive said on Thursday the latest deals confirmed demand was ‘extremely positive’, and queried whether Airbus might have been too hasty in cutting production rates of its A330 wide-body plane to six per month. “We had again a very

successful Paris Airshow, we received orders and commitments for 421 aircraft worth $57 billion,” Fabrice Bregier, head of Airbus Group's planemaking division, told a news conference. “This was higher than I expected.” That compared with orders and commitments for 331 aircraft worth over £31billion for rival Boeing. The Airbus deals included orders and commitments for 24 A330 planes and Bregier said the company needed only a couple more orders to fill production slots for 2016. He said China and India were ideal markets for the new A330 regional jet.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday a deal between Greece and its creditors was still possible if Athens showed the necessary will, amid mounting pessimism that the austerityhit country might crash out of the Euro-zone. Neither side has shown any sign of yielding, with creditors insisting it is up to Greece to make concessions to secure a ‘cash-for-reforms deal’ so the government can honour looming debt repayments and avoid a potentially disastrous default. Far from giving ground, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras launched a new attack on the lenders in an article in a German newspaper, slamming what he called their ‘blind insistence’ on pension cuts he said would worsen his country's crisis. The leftist leader began a two-day visit to Russia to attend an economic forum in St. Petersburg as euro zone finance ministers gathered in Luxembourg to discuss the impasse. Given that Athens ruled out bringing new proposals to the discussion, hopes for a breakthrough at the meeting have all but vanished.

OPTIMISTIC: Angela Merkel remains confident in Greece’s chances of staying in the Euro-zone

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Delay in Britain’s Iraq war investigation angers Prime Minister

‘We are fast losing patience’

National

Prime Minister David Cameron said on Wednesday he was becoming increasingly concerned with Britain's heavily delayed investigation into the country's role in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and called for the conclusions to urgently be published. The report, expected to shed light on how then Prime Minister Tony Blair decided to get involved in a war which many Britons opposed as well as how it was conducted, was announced in 2009 and was initially expected to take just a year. Nearly six years later, John Chilcot, the head of the inquiry, says he can't say when it will be completed because of its complexity and the need to obtain responses from people criticised in the report. Cameron, in a letter to Chilcot, said he was disappointed. “Since the establishment of the Inquiry nearly six years ago, the British public, in particular those who served in Iraq or lost loved ones in the conflict, have been awaiting the results,” he wrote. “We are fast losing patience.” Finance minister George Osborne also weighed in, using a question and answer session in parliament to urge those conducting the inquiry to ‘get on with it’.

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Anzal In memory of

Begum LAUNCH: Hundreds of guests attended the launch event last weekend in Birmingham for the Anzal Begum Foundation

Foundation launch aims to continue mother’s legacy The highly anticipated launch of a new charitable foundation in Birmingham finally arrived last weekend, set up to remember one of the city’s great ambassadors. The Anzal Begum Foundation was created in memory of Anzal Begum – mother of the founders of the Big Johns Franchise, to commemorate and continue the charitable work she was dedicated to supporting

throughout her life. On a local and international scale, Anzal was renowned for reaching out to vulnerable women who had been subjected to domestic abuse and violence. She actively supported people in poverty and would regularly provide clothing and food parcels to over 200 families. The foundation will work hard to continue providing such care and support and was officially launched at a fitting evening on Sunday 14th June. The night commenced with a heartfelt speech from co-founder of the foundation Johngir Saddiq, followed by speeches from organisations supported by the Foundation. Anzal’s granddaughter, Sabah Babar, then gave her own emotional account the time she spent with her Grandmother before she passed away in August 2008. Amongst the guests in attendance on the

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DONATION: A cheque of over £10,000 was presented to the foundation at the close of the evening

night was MP Shabana Mahmood, alongside local councillors and other dignitaries. A night to remember even included a tribute performance by Raja Kasheef and Rubbayyat Jahan who sang classical songs of the late Mohammed Rafi. The evening concluded with a special award given to Jasbir Wouhra, of the East End Foods family, in Birmingham, who helped and supported the late Anzal Begum by giving her credit to start her business off 31 years ago. Anzal’s son, Babar Saddiq, said it was certainly a night to remember. “The night was certainly a memorable one,” he said. “The beautiful set up and surroundings complemented the colours of the foundation and at the end of the night TRIBUTE: Anzal Begum’s granddaughter, we were able to announce that we had Sabah Babar, gave a heartfelt speech on stage raised over £10,000 for worthy causes.” MEMORY: The late Anzal Begum’s sons, Johngir and Babar Saddiq paid tribute to their mother

If you would like to find out more information about the foundation, please visit: www.anzalbegumfoundation.org

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Rebuilding Gaza UK-based charity assisting world’s most vulnerable

BUILD: The Al-Imdaad Foundation has now begun its work on the ‘Rebuild Gaza Campaign’

AID: More than 200,000 people in East Gaza require assistance in the rebuilding of their homes

The East Lancashire based disaster relief charity, Al-Imdaad Foundation, has taken the proactive step to assist the people of Gaza, Palestine, with the rebuilding of East Gaza. Over 200,000 residents currently require assistance, as they are forced to live in either tents or schools after their homes were destroyed in recent conflicts. Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated places in the world with 1.8 million people living in an area of just 365kmsquared. Palestinians are still suffering from devastating economic and social conditions after the Gaza war and ongoing blockade since 2007. Repairing homes, which have been destroyed, or rebuilding demolished houses is a very difficult task and financial burden for the local people. With the blockade in place affecting the importation of building materials, prices have soared, whilst high unemployment levels in the city make it for most incomprehensible families to be able to afford such materials and labour. Al-Imdaad Foundation has now begun the rebuilding process in marginalized areas, lying on the east of Gaza city - such as Al Shejaeya, Al Tufah, Al Daraj,

Shaaf and Jabalya - that have suffered offensive and unfair attacks. The number of residents in these areas equate to more than 200,000 people, with most unemployed, poor and living within extended family households of between eight and 12 members. Families are currently living in tents that are installed on a small area of land, which is not enough to accommodate such large groups. Previously, these same people were living in fully furnished homes and the instant change to living in tents is too much for some to cope with. As well as the poor health conditions, most families cannot bear the heat in the tents even though the summer is yet to come. Country Director of Al-Imdaad Foundation UK said: “Wherever humanity is need of assistance our teams will assist and make a difference, the Rebuild Gaza Campaign has been in plans for the past six months and now we have been granted permission we will start our work with generous support from around the world.” Al-Imdaad Foundation have recently assisted the earthquake victims in Nepal with medical and food aid, whilst the team recently delivered a £20,000 Dialysis machine to their local Blackburn Royal Hospital. The UK-registered charity have also joint hands with Dementia UK to support and provide assistance to UK residents. To support this project and other Al-Imdaad global projects kindly donate online at www.alimdaad.co.uk

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DOUBLE GOLD MEDALIST: Mo Farah ‘missed two drugs tests’ in lead-up to London 2012

Mo Farah reportedly missed two drugs tests before going on to become a double Gold medalist at London 2012. The British long and middle-distance runner is believed to have missed a test in early 2010, and another after he had begun working under coach Alberto Salazar at the Nike Oregon Project in February 2011, according to the Daily Mail. Earlier this month, BBC’s Panorama programme made allegations that Salazar practiced doping techniques on Farah’s training partner Galen Rupp, which the pair fervently deny. Farah, 32, contested the alleged second missed test to the UK Anti-Doping Agency, claiming that he failed to hear his doorbell at his house in Teddington, London. UK anti-doping rules state that any athlete who misses three tests in a 12-month period could face up to a four-year ban, which could have meant the 5,000m and 10,000m runner was in danger of missing the Olympics. The Mail also reports that Salazar had warned Farah on 5th COACH: Salazar has May, 2011: “If you miss another been accused of practicing doping techniques test, they will hang you.”

Mo Farah

‘missed two drugs tests’ before London 2012

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Start voting for your winners for the 15th Asian Achievers Awards

The call for nominations for the 15th annual Asian Achievers Awards, which celebrates the accomplishments of individuals from the South Asian community, is officially open. Taking place on September 18th at the Grosvenor House Hotel, the awards will this year theme around ‘Uniformed and Civil Service’. Often overlooked, those in the Civil Service play an integral role in government, by developing and implementing policies as effectively as possible, while our uniformed men and women risk their own lives each day to ensure the safety of civilians, both in the UK and overseas. The Asian Achievers Awards celebrates individuals from the South Asian community who have inspired communities and achieved outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields. Last year’s winners include Hanif Kureshi CBE, Mahmud Kamani, cofounder of boohoo.com and groundbreaking music producer, Naughty Boy, aka Shahid Khan. The late Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan, was also honoured for his service to his country. Since launching in 2000, The Asian Achievers Awards has helped to raise millions of pounds and this year the chosen charity partner is The Loomba Foundation, caring for widows around the world. Nominations can be registered online at: www.asianachieversawards.com. The deadline for nominations is July 24th 2015. A panel of independent, expert judges will then discuss and hand-select the final nominees and winners in each category, based on the public vote.

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ENTERTAINING: BollyMob UK is made up of over 50 dancers who surprise bystanders with their ‘pop-up’ performances

BollyMob hits London Dancers bring fun and surprise to city’s streets There are some things you expect to see when walking through the streets of London from historic landmarks to famous faces, people from all over the world descend on the capital to experience the city. One thing you may not be expecting however is to suddenly feel the urge to dance, yet that is exactly what one group of dancers have been doing to bystanders this past week. The BollyMobUK group began with just six dancers in landmark locations across the city before

they were joined in the routine by what seemed like members of the crowd. Dancing and moving to catchy Bollywood tunes, the group aimed to inspire others to join in with the ‘joys of dancing’ in the big city. Alia Kapoor, speaking on behalf of the group, explained where the idea for the flashmob came from. “The BollyMobUK is simply an idea driven by our sheer love to perform by making others happy by surprising them with our highly energizing performance,” she said. “If we’ve managed to inspire any

single person to get up and dance that would be wonderful, even if they’ve never danced before. “Combining indo contemporary and modern movements with strong ballet grounding and performance-based visuals our performance worked a treat for everyone who was watching - at various locations across London, which included Tower Hill, Liverpool Street, Southbank and Wembley Central to name a few.” The London-based group is made up of mainly students from the Shiamak Davar’s ‘The Dance

Academy’. Alia added: “Just like food is the spice of life, dance is the magic, which transcends cultures and brings together people in a way like never before. “So with our little boom box we descended across the capital to treat the public to surprise performances with more than 50 of us.” Look out for the BollyMob next time you are in the capital and get your toe tapping to some good old fashioned Bollywood hits.

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International

• INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS • INTERNATIONAL NEWS UNSTABLE FUTURE: A Pakistani police officer stands guard outside a sealed office of international aid group Save the Children officials have previously accused Save the Children of involvement in ‘anti-state activities’

Pakistan's government has announced that international aid groups can operate for another six months provided they register with officials in three months' time, a relief for humanitarian groups worried since authorities suddenly shut the offices of Save the Children. Though Pakistan's Interior Ministry later reversed the order closing the charity, also without explanation, other groups feared being targeted. On Tuesday 16th June, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with senior government officials to discuss how Pakistan will interact with aid groups in the future. The meeting ended with officials announcing that such groups now must register with the government and receive official approval to operate in Pakistan. Authorities did not elaborate on why the government suddenly wants such groups to register, nor did it lay out those procedures. Saeed Ahmed, a spokesman for Save the Children in Pakistan, welcomed the government announcement, though he noted officials have not officially said the group can reopen its offices. “We will complete the paperwork to fulfill the government requirements to keep functioning [in Pakistan],” he said. Save the Children has been under intense scrutiny in Pakistan due to local suspicions that the organisation was connected to the May 2011 killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. It was linked to the CIA, which used a

vaccination campaign run by Pakistani doctor Shakil Afridi to obtain DNA samples in Abbottabad, where bin Laden had been hiding.

Pakistan reverses decision to shut down Save the Children

health care needs of children and mothers. "We want to make it clear that Save the Children is against the use of humanitarian organizations

Save the Children has been under intense scrutiny in Pakistan due to local suspicions that the organisation was connected to the May 2011 killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. It was linked to the CIA, which used a vaccination campaign run by Pakistani doctor Shakil Afridi to obtain DNA samples in Abbottabad, where bin Laden had been hiding. Ahmed denied any link to the doctor involved in the CIA operation. Earlier, the group acknowledged the doctor had twice attended training workshops attended by more than a thousand others organised by the group in 2009 and 2010 on the

for espionage or any illegal activity," Ahmed said. "We are against the use of (aid groups) against the interests of Pakistan." About 1,200 Pakistanis work for Save the Children, but no foreign staff have been in the country for the past 18 months.

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INDIA: Very high rate of elder abuse Minoti (name changed), is a widow who lives on her own in Birubari, India. She found herself alone when she refused to hand over her assets and ornaments to her son and daughter-in-law. Like her, many others are facing abuse in the city as it witnesses a sharp rise in incidents of abuse of elderly persons in recent years. A latest report from Help Age India, a leading NGO working to secure senior citizens' rights, has reported that elders here are facing a huge ‘crisis’. The report said that Guwahati has one of the highest rates of elders' abuse among 12 Tier II cities in the country that were part of the survey last year. The elders here faced abuse ‘almost daily’. “Almost 71 per cent of elderly people have faced abuse on a daily basis here. Another 21 per cent reported to have faced it weekly and only six per cent on a monthly basis in 2014,” the report said. It said that the city had even outplayed the national average in the category. On a national basis, of the elderly who faced abuse, 35 per cent said they were abused at least ‘once a week’, 20 per cent have faced

abuse ‘once a month’ and only 17 per cent said they were abused daily last year. What came as another shocking finding was that the biggest perpetrators of such elderly abuse acts were their own children. “Among the perpetrators, around 74 per cent were reported to be the sons in the family. The daughters-inlaw were also active in abusing the elders with some 62 per cent involved in such abusive acts,” an official of the NGO said. Most of them, some 68 per cent of this abuse, was ‘verbal’. A survey carried out by several agencies pointed to the lack of adjustment and change in ethos as the prime reasons behind the trouble among the family members. In the city, around 58 per cent of elders face abuse for at least three to five years. However, the report also mentioned that 59 per cent among them chose not to report the incidents to either police or any government agencies saying it was a ‘family matter’. The United Nations has designated 15th June as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

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“Among the perpetrators, around 74 per cent were reported to be the sons in the family. The daughters-in-law were also active in abusing the elders with some 62 per cent involved in such abusive acts.”

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Charles Correa, India’s ‘Greatest Architect’ dies at 84 Charles Correa, 84, arguably the face of modern architecture in India, passed away after a brief illness. Correa played a defining role in developing architecture of postIndependence India and has designed some of the most outstanding structures. He was the man behind the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Ahmedabad and Madhya Pradesh Assembly building. In the 1970s, he was the chief architect of Navi Mumbai, the new city that came up across the harbour from Mumbai, and was later appointed the first chairman of the National Commission on Urbanisation. Correa is also known

for pioneering work on low-income housing. He won several national and international awards and was an expert in urban planning and affordable housing. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1972 and Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour, in 2006. Born in Secunderabad on 1st September, 1930, Mr Correa studied at St Xavier's College in Mumbai before going to the University of Michigan and the prestigious

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Correa taught at several universities in India and abroad and received awards including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Praemium Imperiale of Japan and the Royal Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), which billed him as ‘India’s greatest architect’. He founded the Urban Design Research Institute in Mumbai in 1984. The Institute is dedicated to protecting the environment and improving urban communities.

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Pakistan releases 113 Indian fishermen

Pakistan has released 113 Indian fishermen after a similar gesture by New Delhi was announced to mark the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Jail Chief Mohammad Hussain Sehto, confirmed the release of the men on Thursday 18th June. The fishermen, who had been kept in a Karachi jail for nine months to a year, were put on a train bound for the eastern border city of Lahore from where they will cross back to their home country. The release of Indian fishermen followed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's phone call to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday 16th June, offering Ramadan wishes and announcing the release of detained fishermen in an apparent icebreaking move after recent provocative comments heightened bilateral tensions. Muhammad Ali Shah, president of the Pakistan

Fisherfolk Forum, said "around 200" Pakistani fishermen were to be released. Modi's call came after a war of words between the neighbouring nations, including a recent speech he delivered in Bangladesh that touched on its war and secession from Pakistan as well as a junior Indian minister's veiled threat to carry out military operations inside its rival's territory. Fishermen are frequently arrested along with their boats by both India and Pakistan as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined, and many fishing boats lack the technology needed to be certain of their precise location. Both countries also use the release of fishermen to express goodwill from time to time. The fishermen often languish in jail even after serving their term, as poor diplomatic ties between the two archrivals mean fulfilling official requirements can take a long time.

Clerics protest nomination of first woman to Afghan Supreme Court Members of an influential Islamic panel in Afghanistan have protested against President Ashraf Ghani's nomination of a woman to the Supreme Court, a milestone appointment in a country where the Taliban once banned women from most areas of public life. Ghani's decision last week delivered on an election promise to appoint the first woman to the Supreme Court, but conservative lawmakers could fight the parliamentary confirmation of Anisa Rassouli, who now heads a juvenile court. The step represents good news for civil rights activists worried that gains made by women might be eroded after the withdrawal of most foreign troops last year, 13 years after the U.S.led military intervention that toppled the Taliban in 2001. The Taliban ruled with a strict interpretation of Islamic law and forbade women to work, attend school or leave home without a male relative and the all-encompassing burqa covering the face and body. More than a decade later, Afghanistan remains a largely conservative Muslim society and members of the Ulema Council, an influential panel of clerics, protested against Rassouli's nomination in a meeting with Ghani. "We told him that a woman cannot be a judge in capital crimes and other serious criminal issues," said Shams-ul Rahman Frotan, a panel member who attended a meeting on 12th June. Rassouli's confirmation is likely to face opposition from conservative religious

lawmakers. "Ghani's decision is a big mistake. Under Islam, a woman can only be a judge in small family affairs," said Qazi Nazir Hanifi, a lawmaker from the western province of Herat, who vowed to vote against the confirmation. Rassouli declined to comment before the parliamentary vote. However, the Afghan parliament's own future is in question, since its five-year mandate officially expires next week after elections for new lawmakers, due in April, were delayed indefinitely. Some politicians and analysts expect Ghani to introduce several nominees, including his defence minister and Rassouli, during the parliament's last official days, in exchange for his support in extending the lawmakers' mandate.

CRITICISED: President Ashraf Ghani's decision delivered on an election promise to appoint the first woman to the Supreme Court yet has been slammed by Afghan clerics

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Sharif defends military leadership Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has stepped in to defend the military leadership, a day after PPP co-chairperson and former president Asif Ali Zardari lashed out against the armed forces. Sharif was quoted by the PM House as saying that criticism of the armed forces encourages destabilising factors in the country. The statement also added that it was not an appropriate step to criticize the armed forces under the current circumstances. He also said that the operation against terrorism is in its critical stages, adding that national unity was the need of hour. Zardari had previously warned the military leadership that if they did not stop, he would expose the misdeeds of many generals.

Pakistan executes 12 prisoners ahead of Ramadan

At least 12 prisoners were executed on Tuesday 16th June in Pakistan before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, there is a moratorium on the death penalty. The executions took place in different prisons in Punjab province, according to prison authorities who said most of those who were hanged were convicted for murder. Punjab's head of prisons, Farooq Nazir, said that the executions were "a part of the national plan" devised in December, in response to a Taliban attack on a

school in Peshawar in which over 140 students and staff were massacred. "I am not sure if there will be any more executions before Ramadan," said Nazir. An interior ministry spokesperson said that it was "a common practice" to stop executions during Ramadan, when Islamic values are hailed and Muslims are called for daily prayer and religious contemplation. Pakistan has executed around 160 of the 8,000 prisoners on death row since it reinstated the death penalty in December for terrorismrelated crimes.

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Freshwater source depletion in Indus basin Experts reveal groundwater depletion in aquifer of India and Pakistan worst in world

Groundwater is disappearing fast from the world and India is among the worst hit, shows data from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. Among the world's largest groundwater basins, the Indus Basin aquifer of India and Pakistan, which is a source of fresh water for millions of people, is the second-most overstressed with no natural replenishment to offset usage, said two new studies led by the University of California - Irvine (UCI), using data from GRACE satellites. About a third of the Earth's largest groundwater basins are being rapidly depleted by human consumption, the studies said. Groundwater aquifers are typically located in soils or deeper rock layers beneath the Earth's surface. The most overburdened aquifers are in the world's driest areas, where populations draw heavily on underground water. Climate change and

population growth are expected to intensify the problem, the researchers warned. “What happens when a highly stressed aquifer is located in a region with socioeconomic or political tensions that can't supplement declining water supplies fast enough?” asked Alexandra Richey, the lead author on both studies, who conducted the research as a UCI doctoral student. “We are trying to raise red flags now to pinpoint where active management today could protect future lives and livelihoods.” The Arabian Aquifer System, an important water source for more than 60 million people, is the most overstressed in the world, the findings showed. The studies are the first to comprehensively characterise global groundwater losses with data from space, using readings generated by NASA's twin GRACE satellites. GRACE measures dips and bumps in

the Earth's gravity, which are affected by the mass of water. In the first paper, researchers found that 13 of the planet's 37 largest aquifers studied between 2003 and 2013 were being depleted while receiving little to no recharge. Eight were classified as ‘overstressed’, with nearly no natural replenishment to offset usage. Another five were found to be ‘extremely’ or ‘highly’ stressed, depending upon the level of replenishment in each. Those aquifers were still being depleted but had some water flowing back into them. “Given how quickly we are consuming the world's groundwater reserves, we need a coordinated global effort to determine how much is left,” principal investigator Jay Famiglietti, who is also the senior water scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said.

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Entertainment THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRITY NEWS FROM BOLLYWOOD & HOLLYWOOD

$71 million

Bachchans invest

FAMILY: Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan with daughter Shweta Nanda, son-in-law Nikhil Nanda, grandson Agastye along with son Abhishek Bachchan and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan

in Singapore firm

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his family have invested around $71 million in Singapore-based file sharing portal, sources have confirmed. The Bachchans, one of Bollywood's leading families, were making their first significant equity investment in an overseas company. As part of their personal investment, the Bachchans have picked up a minority stake in Meridian Tech Pte Ltd. of Singapore, which owns Ziddu.com, empowering free cloud storage, global wallet, social commerce and social gaming platform startup. The firm, which also offers a micro payment platform, was founded five years ago by Venkata Srinivas

Meenavalli. "Mr Amitabh Bachchan and his family have invested in Ziddu.com at a valuation of around $71 million," said Meenavalli. He added, "I'm very happy and excited that they have reposed confidence and trust in Ziddu.com." He also said (quoting Google Analytics) that Ziddu was among the top five file-sharing sites across the world, generating 1.2 billion page views with visitors from more than 225 countries. The company logged revenues of $20 million in calendar year 2014. The deal was executed on Monday 15th June. Based on Google Analytics data, the company says it has generated more than 300 million visitors per month last year.

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

Irrfan Khan beats all previous box-oﬃce Khan records

Top of the

Khans!

There has always been a rage of the three Khans in Bollywood – Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir. From romancing heroines to doing action roles to breaking records with the 200 crore club, they have done it all. However, the entrant in the Khan club has left the audience flabbergasted. Irrfan Khan's Jurassic World has broken all records by giving a humongous opening of $511 million worldwide. This is the biggest opening ever to date. He plays the role of Simon Masrani, the owner of the dinosaur park in Jurassic World and it’s being speculated that Irrfan has had the maximum screen time any Bollywood actor has ever had in a mainstream Hollywood film. “The success of 'Jurrasic World' has come out as a blessing for all of us. I am

overjoyed with the response that the film has received in India and abroad. I thank everyone who has contributed to this film and made it such a large success,” Irrfan said in a statement. The story unfolds 22 years after the events of Jurassic Park in a fully functional resort on Isla Nublar that sees more than 20,000 visitors a day. The new park includes a biological preserve, a safari, a zoo, and a theme park type setting and of course unprecedented close access to real, living dinosaurs. Jurassic World, which also stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, is set at the same location as Jurassic Park. It is a direct sequel to the runaway 1993 hit. Irrfan’s impeccable performance in the film has been appreciated worldwide and now he’s prepping up for Dan Brown's ‘Inferno in Budapest’.

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

Bipasha Basu

It was a night of Bollywood glamour and energy at the International Indian Film Academy's (IIFA) annual awards ceremony with India's biggest stars descending on the Malaysian capital for the event. Dubbed the Bollywood's Oscars bollywood celebrities dazzled the audience with the colourful musical dance numbers that India's cinema is famous for on Sunday 7th June. Almost 4,000 fans gathered at the Putra Indoor stadium, just south of Kuala Lumpur, to see screen idols like Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Tiger Shroff - who won the best male debut award - perform on stage. Anushka Sharma stole the show with her sizzling dance performance during the ceremony that saw films Haider, Queen and PK scoring big wins. Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut snapped up the male and female awards for best performance in a leading role for Haider and Queen respectively, while Rajkumar Hirani won best director for PK and Vikas Bahl's film Queen was named best picture. Deepika Padukone, meanwhile, was honoured with the Woman of the Year award, after a busy year with films Piku, Happy New Year and Finding Fanny. The IIFA recognises both the artistic and technical excellence of professionals in Bollywood's Hindi cinema and always holds its awards ceremony outside of India to demonstrate Bollywood's international appeal. "The way Indian movies are shot - filled with glamour, beautiful dance and music - is making people from Europe, China and Japan attracted to it with great interest," Mumbai-based director Shyam Shroff said. "Day by day all our traditional markets are growing by leaps and bounds. The next target of Indian movies should be the mainstream Americans," he added. The starry fiesta began with the Bollywood celebrities sparkling on the green carpet as fans screamed and clapped with excitement. Actress Padukone was in a maroon and gold embellished sari while Sharma was a red siren in a strapless gown. Many of the actress opted for black, including Sinha in a backless dress and Parineeti Chopra whose strapless frock boasted an impressive train. The awards were anchored by Bollywood's funny duo Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor. The pair drew big laughs with their witty repartees especially when they forced Bollywood hunk Sonu Sood to remove his shirt revealing his toned physique. The two talented actors captivated Bollywood fans by aiming their jokes at actors Anil Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez, as they also took a stab at censorship. In February Indian police registered a case against the pair for singing a reworking of a song with the Hindi word for penis substituting some lyrics, in a case that sparked a furore over freedom of expression. This year's event spanned three days and included film and music workshops, fashion shows, fans meet-and-greets, technical awards and media briefings of forthcoming movies. With a viewership of almost 800 million, the IIFA Awards is India's biggest media event and also one of the world's mostwatched annual entertainment shows.

Parineeti Chopra

IIFA 2015 Stars rock Malaysia at Bollywood Oscars Gulshan Grover

Huma Qureshi and Jacqueline Fernandez

Hrithik Roshan performs during the International Indian Film Academy

Anil Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana and Neha Dhupia along with Mr. H E Naimun Ashakli Mohammad (High Commissioner of Malaysia to India), Mr. Tony Nagamaiah (General Manager, Malaysia Major Events), Mr. Raj Nayak (CEO Colors) and Mr. Anil Khera (CEO Videocon D2H)

â&#x20AC;Ś and the winners are

Best debut-female: Kriti Sanon for Heropanti Best debut direction: Umang Kumar for Mary Kom Best debut direction: Sajid Nadiadwala for Kick Best music direction: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for 2States Best male playback singer: Ankit Tiwari for Galliyaan (Ek Villian) Best female playback singer: Kanika Kapoor for Baby Doll (Ragini MMS2) Best perfornance in a comic role: Varun Dhavan for Main Tera Hero Best debut- male: Tiger Shroff for Heropanti Best performance in a negative role: Kay Kay Menon for Haider Best male performance in a supporting role: Riteish Deshmukh for Ek Villian Best female performance in a supporting role: Tabu for Haider Best regional film: Lai Bhari Best story: Vikas Bahl, Chaitally Parmar & Parvez Shaikh for Queen Best direction: Rajkumar Hirani for PK Best male performance in a leading role: Shahid Kapoor for Haider Best female performance in a leading role: Kangana Ranaut for Queen Best picture: Queen

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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FILM: Piku DIRECTED BY: Shoojit Sircar GENRE: Comedy/Drama STAR CAST: Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan

RELEASE DATE: 8/5/2015

The sparks fly as an estranged father and daughter are forced together on a long road trip. Piku Banerjee (Deepika Padukone) is a Bengali architect who resides in Delhi, along with her 70-year-old father, Bhashkor (Amitabh Bachchan). Bhashkor has problems with constipation and traces every problem's root to his bowel movements. Piku (Deepika Padukone) and her father, Bashkor (Amitabh Bachchan) love each other dearly but aren't particularly close - which is partly down to their wildly differing personalities. When they're forced together on a road trip to Kolkata, they have to then confront the demons of the past, work out how to get closer and finally become close again. Can they bury the ghosts of the past and plan their future together, or are they just two people that shouldn't spend time together? ' “As a character and a film, it's extremely relatable, not just to an Indian audience, but globally as well,” says star Deepika Padukone. “Piku is a beautiful, quirky take on a fatherdaughter relationship and tells the tale of how we begin taking care of our parents as they get older.”

RELE

ASE DATE: FILM: Tanu Weds Manu Returns 2 2 /5 /2015 DIRECTED BY: Aanand Rai GENRE: Comedy STAR CAST: Kangana Ranaut, Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Deepak Dobriyal The sequel to the hit 2011 comedy brings the main actors and director back together for another slice of comedy gold. Four years after Manu met and wed Tanu in the hit original film (titled, unsurprisingly, Tanu Weds Manu), the lovable couple are back. Not only are the original stars back, with Kangana Ranaut as Tanuja 'Tanu' Trivedi and Madhavan as Manoj 'Manu' Sharma, but the original film's director, Aanand Rai, is back too. Although the pair are now settled in London, Manu is busy working hard and Tanu is bored. Horribly homesick, Tanu decides to fly back to India, but is closely followed by her beloved husband. The only problem is though, when Manu returns to India, it's Tanu's doppelganger - a Haryanvi athlete! - that he meets and falls in love with. Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan are reprising their quirkysweet roles in this romantic drama which, the actress says, will show the tricky grounds of a marriage. “I hear so many love stories every year but no one wants to go to

the tricky grounds of a marriage. What we all see is happy ending and not what happens after marriage and what it takes to fall in love

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

FILM: Bombay Velvet DIRECTED BY: Anurag Kashyap GENRE: Crime Drama STAR CAST: Ranbir Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon, Manish Choudhary, Raveena Tandon, Anushka Sharma Ombay Velvet is a gritty Hindi crime drama inspired by the writings of American authors such as James Ellroy. This tough drama is set in 1960s Bombay, and explores the lives of boxer Johnny Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor) RELEASE DATE: and aspiring jazz singer Rosie (Anushka 15/5/2015 Sharma). eventually ran away with the gold Although based on the he earned illegally. book 'Mumbai Fables' by historian Gyan The lead female protagonist, Rosie, Prakash, this crime epic also owes as much to comes from a middle class Goan family; she classic hardboiled American fiction from the was abused in childhood by a Jazz teacher. likes of James Ellroy. Both Balraj and Rosie find their shaky Bollywood megastars Ranbir Kapoor and freedom in Bombay, where Rosie ends up Anushka Sharma make for dynamic leads being the jazz singer in the club run by Balraj. and there's support from the likes of Kay By now, Balraj is Johnny, renamed by a Kay Menon, Manish Choudhary and Parsi real estate baron called Khambatta, Raveena Tandon. who runs an influential newspaper. The film's international release is edited by Khambatta is also gay, mentioned in a rival the esteemed Thelma Schoonmaker, longtime newspaper by the derogatory term collaborator with Martin Scorsese on the "fruitcake". likes of ‘Raging Bull’, ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘The Johnny becomes Khambatta's love-pawn Departed’. whom he misuses for his own ends. He tries The lead male character in Bombay Velvet to forget the scars of his past by receiving is Balraj, an orphan brought up by a woman new ones in the boxing ring. who was forced into prostitution, and who

again,” says Kangana. “This film will convey that. It’s an urban, relatable issue and a beautiful love story. It can easily be a real life story.”

LEASE DATE: FILM: ABCD 2 1 9/6/2015 DIRECTED BY: Remo D Souza GENRE: Drama STAR CAST: Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Allu Arjun, Prabhu Deva, Lauren Gottlieb, Raghav Juyal, Dharmesh Yelande, Remo D Souza ABCD 2 is a grand 3D Dance Film, which travels to the vibrant city of Las Vegas and is a bittersweet journey of love, friendship, betrayal, honour and redemption. The story traces the journey of an Indian dance troupe, a motley assortment of boys and girls who come from the backstreets of a Mumbai suburb; their rise to fame, sudden downfall and then their heroic attempt to seek vindication by regaining their lost glory and pride. The sequel to one of India's biggest dance movies of all time takes the troupe to the international stage. After the enormous success of India's first 3D dance film, ‘ABCD’ (Any Body Can Dance), Disney India and

world-renowned choreographer turned director Remo D'Souza are promising bigger thrills and spills for the sequel. Reuniting the two lead stars (Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor) with their mentor Vishnu (Prabhu Deva), the story follows the Indian dance troupe to Las Vegas for an international dance competition. But with the stakes higher and much tougher competition, can the boys and girls from the Mumbai suburbs go back to India as champions? Will they be able to achieve success at the biggest International platform? Will they make their beloved Vishnu Sir proud, who is himself struggling with his not so perfect past?

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

jSuEnPTe 2015

SPY STARRING: MELISSA MCCARTHY, JASON STATHAM, ROSE BYRNE, MIRANDA HART, BOBBY CANNAVALE DIRECTOR: PAUL FEIG GENRE: COMEDY UK RELEA Melissa McCarthy SE D goes undercover in 5/6/2015ATE: this hilarious espionage comedy. Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is a middle-aged desk-bound CIA analyst, who is the agency's unsung hero behind their most dangerous missions. However, when one of her colleagues, the James Bond-like Bradley Fine (Jude Law) is killed by lethal enemy agent Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne), she decides to go out into the field to avenge his death. Sent out undercover, Cooper must infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster.

ENTOURAGE

CERT

STARRING: KEVIN CONNOLLY, ADRIAN GRENIER, KEVIN DILLON, JERRY FERRARA, PLUS CAMEOS DIRECTOR: DOUG ELLIN GENRE: DRAMA, COMEDY UK R

ELEASE D ATE:

8/6/2015 Four years on from the final episode of the award-winning HBO series, the boys are back with their own celebrity entourage in tow. Movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) is about to direct his first film, with the help of agentturned-movie head, Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven). Gold secures the $100 million budget from Texas billionaire Larsen McCredle (Billy Bob Thornton) and his son Travis (Haley Joel Osment). But Chase's film soon goes over-budget and Gold realises his studio is in trouble with only its first movie.

CERT

JURASSIC WORLD STARRING: IRRFAN KHAN, BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD, TY SIMPKINS, CHRIS PRATT, VINCENT D'ONOFRIO DIRECTOR: COLIN TREVORROW UK RELEA 12A GENRE: ACTION, SCI-FI SE DATE

CERT

22 years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. This new park is owned

by the Patel Corporation. Owen, a member of Jurassic World’s on-site staff, conducts behavioural research on the Velociraptors. After many years, Jurassic World’s

12/6/201 : 5

attendance rates begin to decline and a new attraction, created to re-spark visitor interest, gravely backfires.

CERT

MR HOLMES STARRING: IAN MCKELLEN, COLIN STARKEY, LAURA LINNEY, HATTIE MORAHAN, HIROYUKI SANADA DIRECTOR: BILL CONDON GENRE: DRAMA TBC

CERT

Sir Ian McKellen takes UK RELEA on the role of the SE iconic Baker 19/6/20D1ATE: 5 Street detective in this acclaimed drama. It's 1947 and the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is long retired and living in relative anonymity in Sussex with only his housekeeper Mrs Munro (Laura Linney) and her young son Roger (Milo Parker) for company. Angry due to his former partner Dr John Watson's misrepresentation of him in the series of bestselling novels, his mind turns to his final case, one that has remained frustratingly unsolved in the years since.

THE LONGEST RIDE STARRING: SCOTT EASTWOOD, BRITT ROBERTSON, ALAN ALDA, JACK HUSTON, MELISSA BENOIST DIRECTOR: GEORGE TILMAN JR GENRE: DRAMA

UK RELEA SE DATE:

26/6/201 5

12A

CERT

MINIONS UK RELEA SE DATE:

19/6/201 A former rodeo rider falls 5 in love with an artist in this passionate romantic drama. Luke (Scott Eastwood) made his name as a championship rodeo rider but is now coasting on former glories. While planning to make a comeback, he meets and falls in love with aspiring artist Sophia (Britt Robertson). When their paths cross with elderly car crash victim Ira (Alan Alda), his memories of the past have a major emotional impact on Luke and Sophia's relationship. Past and present collide in the latest romance from The Notebook author Nicholas Sparks, providing a passionate tale of two lovers from very different backgrounds.

STARRING: SANDRA BULLOCK, JOHN HAMM DIRECTOR: KYLE BALDA, PIERRE COFFIN GENRE: COMEDY, FAMILY Those lovable little yellow minions from 'Despicable Me' team up with a female villain voiced by Sandra Bullock. Back in the 1960s, long before they met despicable Gru, the minions find themselves living in Antarctica without a master. So two of the bravest henchmen venture forth to a villain convention, where they find Scarlett Overkill (Sandra Bullock) scheming to become the world's first female supervillain.

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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.

Whatwon is the name of Performance the new Sci-fi Who Best Female in afilm leading role inout this IIFA’s? to come ofyears Pakistan? 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 June 26th 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 19th June until Thursday 25th June 2015

ODEON - Leeds/Bradford ABCD 2 2D (PG) 152 Mins Wheelchair Access, Bollywood, Fri & Sat 13:50 17:10 22:30 Sun-Thu 13:50 17:10 ABCD 2 3D (PG) 152 Mins 3D, Wheelchair Access, Bollywood, Fri & Mon-Thu 20:30 Sat & Sun 10:30 20:30 CINDERELLA (U) 113 Mins Silver Cinema, Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Tue 11:00 DIL DHADAKNE DO (12A) 170 Mins Wheelchair Access, Bollywood, Fri & Mon-Thu 13:30 Sat & Sun 10:00 13:30 ENTOURAGE (15) 104 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Sun 13:40 16:10 18:40 21:10 Mon 13:40 16:10 s/t 18:40 21:10 Tue-Thu 13:40 16:10 18:40 21:10 HAMARI ADHURI KAHANI (12A) 129 Mins Wheelchair Access, Bollywood, Fri 13:50 17:10 23:10 13:50 17:10 20:10 23:10 Sat Sun & Tue-Thu 13:50 17:10 20:10 Mon 13:50 17:10 INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 3 (15) 98 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri-Tue 17:00 19:15 21:30 Wed 19:15 21:30 Thu 17:00 19:15 21:30 JURASSIC WORLD 2D (12A) 130 Mins NGP, Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri 12:45 13:30 14:30 15:45 16:30 17:30 18:45 19:30 20:30 21:45 23:25 10:30 11:30 12:45 13:30 14:30 15:45 16:30 17:30 18:45 19:30 20:30 21:45 23:25 Sat Sun 10:30 11:30 12:45 13:30 14:30 15:45 16:30 17:30 18:45 19:30 20:30 21:45 Mon & Wed 12:45 13:30 14:30 15:45 16:30 17:30 18:45 19:30 20:30 21:45 Tue 11:30 12:45 14:30 15:45 16:30 17:30 18:45 19:30 20:30 21:45 Thu 11:30 12:45 14:30 15:45 17:30 18:45 19:30 20:30 21:45 JURASSIC WORLD 3D (12A) 130 Mins NGP, 3D, Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri 12:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 20:00 21:00 23:00 Sat 11:00 12:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 20:00 21:00 23:00 Sun 11:00 12:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 20:00 21:00 Mon & Wed 12:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 20:00 21:00 Tue & Thu 11:00 12:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 20:00 21:00 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 2D (15) 120 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat, Sun, Tue & Thu 11:30 MR. HOLMES (PG) 104 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri 12:45 15:15 17:45 20:15 Sat & Sun 15:15 17:45 20:15 Mon-Wed 12:45 15:15 17:45 20:15 Thu 12:45 15:15 17:45 20:15 s/t NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2D (PG) 98 Mins Kids Screen, Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat & Sun 10:30 ODEON SCREEN UNSEEN (15) 120 Mins Wheelchair Access, Mon 20:15 PITCH PERFECT 2 (12A) 115 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat, Sun, Tue & Thu 11:15 SAN ANDREAS 2D (12A) 114 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri & Sat 14:10 16:50 19:45 22:45 Sun-Thu 14:10 16:50 19:45 SHAUN THE SHEEP (U) 85 Mins Kids Screen, Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat & Sun 10:00 SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (CAPTIONED) 2D (U) 92 Mins Kids Screen, Wheelchair Access, Subtitled, Sat & Sun 10:15 SPY (15) 120 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri & Sat 12:30 15:20 18:10 20:50 23:30 Sun-Thu 12:30 15:20 18:10 20:50 TAKE THAT LIVE 2015 (TBC) 120 Mins Wheelchair Access, Odeon Plus Music, Fri 20:20 TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS (12A) 135 Mins Wheelchair Access, Bollywood, Sat & Sun 10:45 Tue & Thu 10:45 THE CRUCIBLE (ENCORE) (12A) 218 Mins Wheelchair Access, Odeon Plus Culture, Thu 14:00 THE LONGEST RIDE (12A) 128 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Fri 11:50 14:40 s/t 17:30 20:20 23:10 Sat 11:50 14:40 17:30 20:20 23:10 Sun-Thu 11:50 14:40 17:30 20:20 THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (PG) 123 Mins Silver Cinema, Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Tue 14:00 Thu 11:00 TWO BY TWO (U) 87 Mins Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Sat & Sun 10:00 THE LONGEST RIDE (12A) 128 Mins Odeon Newbies, Wheelchair Access, Audio Described, Tue 11:30

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

Motors

Transcendence Adding to the Alfa Romeo brand's legendary racing history and the exciting experience of open-air motoring, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider debuts with panoramic views complemented with a signature Alfa exhaust note, plus the essential sportiness of the awardwinning 4C Coupe. Handcrafted in Modena, Italy the new 4C Spider oozes groundbreaking and seductive Italian style, state-of-the-art Formula 1 inspired carbon fibre chassis, advanced technologies, and an all-aluminum 1750 cc turbocharged engine that enables supercar-level performance. Continuing the groundbreaking theme of technology, performance and Italian style, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

Spider builds upon the brand's journey, which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione (2008), 8C Spider (2009), 4C Coupe (2015), and most recently, the 4C Spider Concept, which debuted at the 84th International Geneva Motor Show. Inspired by the 33 Stradale, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider transcends this legendary racecar's mid-engine body forms and follows its purposeful and lightweight performance tradition with sheet-moulded compound (SMC) composite panels forming its seductive Italian design, and "clothing" its state-of-the-art carbon fibre monocoque chassis and all-aluminum 1750 cc turbocharged, direct-injected engine. With seating for two,

panoramic views and the soundtrack of an Italian performance-tuned engine and exhaust, Spiders are among the most exhilarating experiences in motoring - and represent the very core of Alfa Romeo's DNA and heritage. Thanks to its mid-engine layout, advanced technology and compact size, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider demonstrates its precision, agility and performance credentials with a top speed of 160 miles per hour (mph), 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts in an estimated 4.1-seconds, 1.1 g of lateral acceleration and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration delivering 237 horsepower.

Continued on page 92

New 4C Spider represents the core of Alfa Romeoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA

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Transcendence New 4C Spider represents the core of Alfa Romeo’s DNA

To ensure exceptional performance and drivability on the racetrack or city streets, the 1750 cc turbocharged engine features cutting-edge technologies. High pressure direct-injection (2,900 psi / 200 bar) with multi-hole fuel injectors provide a more even spray. To increase performance, while reducing oil consumption and emissions, the cylinder head inlet ducts have an optimized design, while cylinder liners are made from

Continued from page 91

thin cast-iron. The addition of an electric thermostat helps the 1750 cc turbo engine reduce warm-up times and tailpipe emissions. Minimizing vibration at higher engine speeds, the engine's crankshaft features eight counter weights. Last, intake and exhaust systems are optimized for Alfa Romeo 4C Spider's mid-engine layout. A new generation turbocharger features a pulse-converter exhaust

manifold to exploit pressure waves and boost torque at low-engine speeds. A waste gate valve adjusts turbo pressure and improves the engine's efficiency. Advanced turbo technology enables the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to maximize torque at low engine speeds and deliver more response to driver input by increasing combustion efficiency and turbine speed, all while

eliminating turbo lag. As a result, torque delivery is instantaneous, with a peak of 258 ft.-lb. (350 N•m); 80 percent of which is available at only 1,700 rpm. Instantaneously optimising the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider's level of performance is the brand's innovative Alfa DNA selector. With four modes, including "Race" mode, the Alfa DNA selector can optimize the engine, transmission, Alfa Electronic Q2 differential and

electronic stability control (ESC) calibrations to the levels needed by the driver. With a touch of the Alfa DNA selector, the driving dynamics of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider can be changed to (in order of increasing capability) ‘All-weather ‘, ‘Natural’, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Race’. In ‘Race’ mode, launch control can be activated, allowing the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to deliver 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts as low as 4.1-seconds.

Dynamic European debut for new V8-powered Lexus

GS F!!!

The latest Lexus to carry the marque’s F performance designation will give a first European demonstration of its speed and handling on Goodwood’s famous hillclimb course, with Toyota Gazoo Racing pilot Mike Conway at the wheel. The V8-powered machine will be a poised performer, having been dynamically honed on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife during its development programme. Although the confines of the Goodwood hill won’t permit a fullblooded drive, the car’s sound, turn of speed and sharp-edged styling promise to make a big impression. The festival date follows the car’s world debut at the Detroit motor show earlier this year and first European appearance at the Geneva motor show in the spring. In the best traditions of Lexus’s F models, such as the LFA and new RC

F coupe, the GS F is designed and engineered for exceptional driver rewards. Although based on the GS saloon, it benefits from significant revisions to sharpen its performance and handling. The body shell is reinforced, the suspension is sportstuned and Lexus’s Torque Vectoring Differential – first seen on the RC F coupe – is fitted as standard. Under the hood will be a firebreathing naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 that produces a remarkable 477PS and peak torque in excess of 530Nm. The powerplant is mated to a lightning quick 8-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shifting capabilities and four different modes: Normal, Eco, SPORT S and SPORT S+, the latter designed specifically for the racetrack. With the GS F tipping the scales at a class-leading 1830 kg, the acceleration of the new rear-wheeldrive sedan will be similar to a sports

DEBUT: The new Lexus GS F will be driven in public for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (26th to 28th June)

coupe, while its top speed should give some racecars a run for their money. As powerful as the engine is, the DOHC 32-valve powerplant is also fuel efficient, incorporating the Atkinson cycle when the car is driven in a civil manner.

The GS F’s Goodwood bow is an early preface to its appearance on the road; details of a production version for the UK will be announced later in the year. Lexus will further add to the festival’s programme of rare and

exclusive machines with appearance from the LFA supercar and the RC F GT3 competition car that is being campaigned this season by Frey Racing in the VLN endurance series in Germany.

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

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Motors

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Motors

June 2015 - 3rd Edition

Desirable The XJ, Jaguar's all-aluminium luxury saloon, is more desirable than ever, with subtle changes to the exterior design, accentuated by full LED headlights, add to the XJ's already distinctive looks. Materials such as semi-aniline leather and inlay veneers enhance an interior already considered the most luxurious in the segment, culminating in the new Autobiography model. Matching this traditional craftsmanship is state-of-the-art technology, including a new infotainment system. InControl Touch Pro offers features such as door-to-door navigation and 1,300W Meridian digital audio system. The driving experience is better than ever, thanks to a V6 diesel engine which offers more power and torque and less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and an electric power-assisted steering system that enhances Jaguar's reputation for unrivalled agility and responsiveness. The new XJ features a larger,

more upright grille, while sculpted chrome blades in the outboard air intakes emphasise the car's mature, prestigious character. The full LED headlights accentuate the 'quad lamp' design feature that Jaguar sporting sedans have made their own. They are further enhanced with active front steer and static bend lamp functions, and auto high beam assist. LED headlights also provide a colour temperature closer to that of daylight than Bi-Xenon lamps, improving visibility and driver comfort, and are also more energyefficient. Twin 'J-Blade' daytime running lights are a unique feature to XJ, befitting its status in the Jaguar saloon car range. The white light instantly and seamlessly changes to orange when the direction indicator is operated. The LED rear lights feature a new J-signature tail and position light graphic, making the XJ even more distinctive. The rear bumper now features a gloss black valance and a slender chrome insert. New LED

Enhanced Jaguar XJ resets standards for luxury and design taillights and oval exhaust finishers complete the look. The XJ's peerless interior design has been taken to the next level. So luxurious has it become that the outgoing Portfolio trim is now used for the Premium Luxury model. The new Portfolio gains quilted softgrain leather seats with diamond stitching and embossed headrests, and figured ebony veneer. The Autobiography model, new to XJ in the 2016 model year and available only with the long-

wheelbase body, can be identified on the outside by chrome front bumper air intakes and 20" Maroa wheels. Inside, there's a unique Autobiography Intaglio, quilted semi-aniline leather seats with contrasting stitching, a leather headliner, rich oak inlay veneer, and illuminated stainless steel treadplates, air vents and boot finisher. Rear seat occupancy is provided by individual seats with seat back movement and massage function, and a rear seat

entertainment system with two folding 10.2" HD screens. Following other Jaguar models, the XJ gains an R-Sport model with new side sills, three-piece front splitter, side power vents and a rear spoiler. A gloss black finish enhances the grille mesh, rear valance and the window finishers. Wheels are 20" Mataivia. The interior gains sports seats, R-Sport steering wheel and treadplates, Jet headliner and piano black trim or carbon fibre.

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The Quaid-e-Azam Sunday Cricket League is the oldest and largest all Asian league in the country, boasting 30 teams across three leagues. Set up in 1985, the setup is currently celebrating its 30th year anniversary and continues to draw in talent from across Bradford, Leeds, Kirklees, Calderdale and even Sheffield. Keighley RZM are the current Premier Division champions and have retained the trophy for the

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Quaid-e-Azam Sunday cricket League past three years whilst upcoming talents continue to arise every season. 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 action every issue.

Sport

... rest of the action Premier Section

Bhalot 115 all out (Mathew 40, Z Qasim 4-18) v Keighley RZM 116-4 (Y Ali 54*)

Heaton Park 142-6 (M Waqas 43) v Kashmir Dews 143-4 (S Latif 61)

Flix 142 all out v OnQ 143-4 (G Razzak 48)

White Rose v Shimla’s Match abandoned, water logged pitch

Darulshafa v Raja Match abandoned, water logged pitch

Section A Group 1

Central Leeds 120 all out (Maaiz Khan 4-37, Mehr Sultan 4-19) v Chach 122-2 (Nawazer Hussain 42)

Keighley RZM

Keighley continue charge The Quaid-e-Azam league fell victim to Britain’s classic summer weather last weekend as only six games managed to get the go ahead following a downpour of rain across West Yorkshire. Nevertheless, where there is a spot of sunshine there is the chance of competition and in the Premier Division, all but two games managed to get the go ahead. Leaders, Keighley RZM (116-4) continued their dominant start to the season, earning a maximum point win over Bhalot (115). Zeeshan Qasim took four wickets for just 18 runs in the onesided affair as last season’s champions remain on track to defend their title this year. Second-placed OnQ (143-4) remain ten points adrift in second spot, as they also earned a maximum points win when they took on Flix (142). Razzak’s unbeaten 48 for the victors saw them easily pass the finish line after electing to bat second and like Keighley, showed how important winning a coin toss can be. The final action in the Premier Division came further down the table as Kashmir Dewsbury (143-4) earned a hard fought victory over Heaton Park (142-6). Dewsbury’s third win of the campaign came courtesy of an unbeaten 61 runs from S Latif, and lifted them away from the drop zone.

Qasim takes four wickets in rain-sodden day Heaton Park meanwhile remain in third spot and will be disappointed to have lost more ground on the top two. In Section A Group 1, three of the five fixtures were abandoned due to the weather. One game that managed to go ahead was at Central Leeds (122), with the hosts falling victim to two bowling master classes from Chach’s (122-2) Maaiz Khan, 4-37, and Mehr Sultan, 4-19. In reply, Chach made light work of chasing down the target, losing just two wickets in the process. There was also a win in the league for Rising Stars (143-8) over Friends (140).

An outstanding performance with the ball from Waqas Kayani (5-35) wasn’t enough to prevent Friends falling to their third defeat this year. Victory for Rising Stars on the other hand, lifts them to top spot in the group with Bradford Royals and Karmand following close behind. Elsewhere, the last of the action in the Quaid-e-Azam league was found in Section A Group 2 where just the one game was played with Kings XI (126) falling victim to the elements in a threewicket defeat at the hands of AlMinarah (127-7).

Player of the week:

Waqas Kayani took five wickets for just 35 runs for Section A Group 1 side, Friends, in a standout man of the match performance

Friends 140 all out (Atif Kamran 44) v Rising Stars 143-8 (W Kayani 5-35)

Bfd Moor 153-6 v Zulfi AK 33-1 Match abandoned, water logged pitch

Eastern Friends 60 - 3 v Shaheen Match abandoned, water logged pitch

Karmand v Bfd Royals Match abandoned, water logged pitch Section A Group 2

Kings XI 126 all out (M Sadiq 66) v Al-Minarah 127-7 (Mansoor Hussain 63)

Bfd Phoenix 6-1 v Azad Match abandoned, water logged pitch

Patriots v Earl Marshall Match abandoned, water logged pitch

Kashmir Bfd v Indus Ghari Matter referred to the EC

My Lahore v Tabs Match abandoned, ground unfit to play

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June 2015 - 3rd 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.

RETURN OF THE KING –

ANDRE WARD By Khalil Alam info@asianexpress.co.uk

Finally after a 19 month layoff we will see the return of the boxing king Andre Ward (27-0 14KO) in action this weekend against the tough but limited England contender Paul Smith (35-5 20KO). Ward was last seen in the boxing ring in 2013 when he defeated Edwin Rodriguez to defend his WBA super middleweight title. The American’s absence from the ring has been due to legal promotional problems with his former promoter, Dan Goosen who sadly passed away in September 2014. There’s no denying Ward is a sensationally talented and probably the second best boxer pound for pound on the planet. He is a 2004 Olympic gold medallist and undefeated having fought the best at super middleweights including England’s Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham and beating them all with ease. Ward has now signed with rap singer Jay Z’s Roc Nation Boxing Promotional Sports and will be eager to get back to winning ways, getting rid of the ring rust and showing the world his

Khalil Alam

supreme boxing ability when he enters the ring against Smith. Jay Z’s Roc Nation will be making its boxing debut in the promotional business and Ward has welcomed Jay Z’s support, help and guidance to get back into the boxing ring and doing what he does best. Ward commented on his new promotional partnership with Jay Z saying: “It was something different, I'd just fought two years to get out of the old regime and the old way of thinking in boxing. This was fresh and new. Some say it's a risk. Some say 'Why Roc Nation?' I say, 'Why not Roc Nation?' It was time for something fresh and time for something new." Smith is a strong and durable fighter who has previously lost against Germany’s hard man Arthur Abraham but, still managed to go the full 12 rounds. Smith will no doubt test Ward’s stamina after Ward has had such a long inactive absence from the boxing ring. The long inactivity Ward has to endure makes him vulnerable to ring rust but in my view a fighter of Ward’s calibre will not enter any boxing bout unless he is 100 per cent fit and during his absence from the ring, he will have continued to keep himself physically fit. I am expecting Ward to win this bout convincingly and confirm his place as one of the best pound for pound. Ward has boxing ability, technique and skill with quick, precise punching who always manages to control the pace of the fight against his opponents to the level he is guaranteed a win and I expect the same to happen this weekend.

TEAM OF WEEK: - Tetleys Tino

Then there was three Dropped points at the top heats up title race PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The SLUK Premier Division top scorer, Sultan Khan, hit a double to guide Old Bacca Boys to a comfortable 2-0 win against NFA, keeping his side’s title hopes alive

The race for the Premier Division title in this year’s SLUK competition is hotting up as just three points now separate the top three. Jubodhol’s shock goalless draw with bottom side Super Six gave the chasing pack a chance to make up ground and that is exactly what Old Bacca Boys and Al-Aqsa were able to do on Thursday. The table toppers were unable to find the exciting form that earned them a 2-0 win over JackHammer last week, with a resolute Super Six keeping their slim hopes of survival alive. Al Aqsa are now joint on points at the top after registering a classic 1-0 victory over strugglers Team Newbees, with only goal difference keeping them off the summit. With two games to go, the high flyers will be hoping for another slip up from the current leaders in their final games as they hope to take the title race to the end. Elsewhere, Old Bacca

Boys are still in with a shot of the Premier Division crown this year, after the ever reliant Sultan Khan bagged a brace to gift his team a 20 win against NFA. Khan is the division’s top scorer, hitting 14 of OBB’s impressive 31 goals this term, and was in lethal form once again in front of goal. The three points lifts his side to third spot, whilst NFA’s nightmare league campaign continued with them slipping to second bottom of the table. Elsewhere, a victory for JackHammer would have seen them move to within two points of the

champions yet they were thumped 3-1 by Tetley’s Tino. Tinos celebrated their first win in four games to leapfrog up into seventh spot, whilst back-to-back defeats for JackHammer all but ends their title challenge. The final action of the day was seen in another close encounter as two of the pre-season favourites, Borussia Teeth and Hyde Park played out a 1-1 draw. Neither team were able to find a winner in a closely fought contest and both will now be looking forward to next season as they hope to mount more serious title challenges.

This week’s scores

Old Bacca Boys 2 - 0 NFA Jubodhol FC 0 - 0 Super Six Tetley's Tino 3 - 1 Jackhammer FC Borussia Teeth 1 - 1 Hyde Park FC Newbies 0 - 1 Al-Aqsa FC

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June 2015 - 3rd Edition

MEDALLIST: Harleen Kaur picked up Bronze and Gold medals at the British Championships last month

Sport

Ready to take on the world Local Karate champions set to arrive on international stage

A trip to Malta may sound like a perfect holiday to many, yet the small island off the coast of Italy will soon be overtaken by martial artists from around the world as the world championships arrive later this year. Amongst the hundreds of competitors set to make the journey are Bradford’s own representatives from the Jason

CHAMPS: Six members of the Jason Murray Martial Arts team have earned the chance to compete in the World Championships in Malta later this year

Table Tennis ace serves up two national titles Singles and Doubles championships sealed for Leeds teen

CHAMP: Despite slipping in the semi-finals, Shayan still managed to hit a remarkable match point against his opponent. (Image courtesy of Andy Chubb)

Murray Martial Arts School. Following success in last month’s World Martial Kombat Federation’s British Championships, six budding karate aces are preparing to board the plane as they make the step up onto the international stage. Amongst them is Harleen Kaur, after she was awarded Gold in the points sparring and Bronze in the continuous sparring contests. She said she was looking forward to testing herself against some of the world’s best. “I am looking forward to the worlds now and was really happy to have won the Gold and Bronze in Mansfield,” she said. “It is the first time we as a club had entered the tournament so it was great to come away with so many medals. “Hopefully we can all rally around and raise enough money

to all travel to Malta in November.” From seven-year-olds to 43year-olds, the club will be represented across the age groups in Malta with club founder, Jason Murray, representing the veteran division. Also picking up a Gold and Bronze in the British Championships, Jason added: “Everyone did the club proud last month and now we are only looking forward. “To take all our team to Malta is going to cost around £3,000 and now we are starting to look at ways of raising that money. “Every one of our medallists has earned the right to compete and I am sure we can make a real impact in the World Championships.” If any businesses would like to sponsor the club for their World Championships, please contact Jason Murray on 01274 214352.

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The final was especially tense, as Shayan came back from 0-2 and 8-10 down, determined not to end as runner-up for the second successive year at these championships. Holding on through three very close games, with never more than four points separating the players, Shayan won his first ever national title and denied his opponent, the newly crowned under-13 champion, Ethan Walsh, a double victory. “I’m so relieved,” Shayan said. “In my last three matches, I was so close to losing them all. “I just kept fighting and going for my shots and tried not to think about losing. If you lose playing the right way, that’s still a good thing to come away with.” Despite the victory, it was almost game over for Shayan in the semi-finals as he appeared to be slipping when approaching what would of have been his winning shot. Thankfully for the local youngster, he managed to play the shot from a virtual sitting position, and despite falling managed to right himself and get the next ball back – to the evident shock of Dai, who failed to hit the table. He added: “I just slipped. I thought I had missed but I saw the ball come back so I just put my bat there. I don’t think he was expecting it.” Later in the afternoon, there was a sense of déjà vu in the doubles final, as Shayan and his partner James Smith from Kent went 0-2 down against Harry Dai and Ethan Walsh. Once again, Shayan came back from the brink as he and James rescued the match to win the last three

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01274 669051 800 Leeds Road, Bradford BD3 9TY games by a convincing margin and make it Shayan’s second title in one day. The promising teen had qualified for the national championships due to his UK ranking, and was seeded fourth for the competition. He has been playing table tennis since the age of seven, and has represented England in a number of competitions, in singles and with his doubles partner James Smith.

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Table Tennis ace serves up two national titles TRIUMPHANT: Shayan Siraj won both the Under14’s Boys Singles and Under-14’s Boys Doubles national table tennis titles earlier this month. (Image courtesy of Andy Chubb)

Singles and Doubles championships sealed for Leeds teenager By Ashley Grint ashley@asianexpress.co.uk

A table tennis star from Bramhope rallied his way back from a disappointing national finals defeat last year to clinch a double championship finish earlier this month in Sheffield. 14-year-old Shayan Siraj picked up both the National Singles and

Doubles titles for his age group after an exhausting day’s play at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre on Saturday 6th June. The Grammar School at Leeds pupil started his day in the individual competition, and after progressing from the group stage, made it through the next three rounds, which all went to five sets.

Continued on page 99

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