Community News

The voluntary organisation, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, based in Birmingham, UK, has agreed to develop Sheetal Kund near the Rajgir Gurdwara in India into a tourist spot.

On the request of Nitish Kumar, the chief minister, GNNSJ took on the initiative. The foundation stone was intended to be laid by Nitish in December last year but the programme was deferred.

Chairman of GNNSJ Bhai Shahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh mentioned that the blueprint for the development of Sheetal Kund Gurdwara is already drawn up.

"The Jattha will bear whatever funds are required. Sheetal Kund gurdwara is the first project taken up by the Jattha after Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna City," said Mohinder.

Sheetal Kund is associated with Guru Nanak, and is believed that Guru Nanak visited the Kund at Rajgir in Nalanda district with two disciples about 450 years ago.

"Mardana, a Muslim, suddenly felt thirsty. After taking permission from Sri Guru Nanak Dev, he went to a nearby kund (waterhole) which was hot. Unable to quench his thirst, he returned and requested the Guru to help him. After repeated requests, the Guru visited the waterfall. When Guru Nanak Dev's feet touched the water, it cooled down, earning its name Sheetal Kund," said Trilok Singh Nishad, chairman of Shree Sanatani Sikh Sabha.

Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro's immersive installation, Field of Light Uluru has been extended for a further period and will now remain in place until 31 December 2020.

The award-winning exhibition, located at Ayers Rock Resort in the spiritual heart of Australia, opened on 1 April 2016 to critical acclaim, and has since exceeded all expectations proving to be a stand-out drawcard to the destination.

“With such incredible demand, and high occupancy experienced throughout the year at the Resort, extending the Field of Light to 31 December 2020 will allow even more guests to enjoy this extraordinary experience,” said Voyages Executive General Manager Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Ray Stone.

“Since opening, more than 200,000 guests have been deeply moved by the Field of Light, it's hard not to be. This further extension offers guests the opportunity to enjoy not only the spiritual nature of the destination, but experience it in a unique and mesmerising way,” said Ray.

The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara, is Munro's largest work to date, with more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres over an area the size of nine football fields. It is also the artist's first work to be illuminated entirely through solar power. The spheres, connected via illuminated optical fibre, bloom as darkness falls. Pathways draw viewers into the artwork, which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars.

Tourism Australia MD, John O'Sullivan welcomed the decision to extend the exhibition until the end of December 2020. “Field of Light has been a remarkable success and there's clearly still significant demand amongst people both here in Australia and overseas to make the journey to Uluru to see what is unquestionably one of world's most spectacular and immersive exhibitions. People travel to experience difference and this is about as unique a way of connecting with one of our country's most spectacular natural wonders as you're ever likely to get,” he said.

The award-winning exhibition has received extensive media attention during its two seasons, significantly featuring in 2017's Qantas Safety Video with over 90 million views worldwide.

“I am greatly moved and humbled by the enormous response to the artwork.  It's obvious the combination of the exhibition and a canvas as visceral as this – flourishing from red dirt and tufts of spinifex, in the shadows of nature's biggest shape-shifter, Uluru, is immensely powerful to people,” said Bruce.

Guests can enjoy the field in a number of ways – a Field of Light Pass includes transfers, a Star Pass includes transfers as well as sparkling wine and canapes, and for those wanting a special evening under the stars there is A Night at Field of Light dining experience that includes transfers and guests can also arrive via helicopter or camel for an additional charge. Between 22 October and 24 March each year, guests can also enjoy Mayu Wiru, meaning 'beautiful flavour' in local Pitjantjatjara. This premium experience for a maximum of 16 guests combines an exceptional gourmet menu celebrating the ancient flavours of Indigenous Australia with a private escorted tour through Field of Light.

Kodo is one of the best known and most influential taiko performing arts ensemble in the world and returns to the Birmingham to drum in the new year on Monday 5 February at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. This exclusive date for the Midlands is just one of five performances across the UK and marks the European premiere performances of Evolution.

Under the forward-looking artistic direction of kabuki luminary Tamasaburo Bando, Evolution showcases the creative development of Kodo, its past, its present and its commitment to the future of taiko performing arts.

Evolution is presented under Kodo’s One Earth Tour banner and received its world premiere in Tokyo in 2016. The five UK performances in Brighton, Manchester, Canterbury, Birmingham and Gateshead between 30 January and 7 February mark the production’s very first performances outside of Japan.

Based on Sado Island in northern Japan, Kodo debuted at the Berlin Festival in 1981.  Since then the internationally-renowned group of taiko drummers has presented over 5,800 performances in 49 countries on five continents. Kodo strives to preserve and reinterpret traditional Japanese performing arts in productions that encompass energetic and physically-charged ensemble drumming to smaller groups and soloists that feature authentic percussion instruments alongside Western counterparts and song and dance.

In Japanese the word ‘Kodo’ has two meanings: ‘heartbeat’, the primal source of all rhythm - the sound of the great taiko is said to resemble a mother's heartbeat as felt in the womb, and it is no myth that babies are often lulled asleep by its thunderous vibrations; Kodo can also mean ‘children of the drum’ and is a reflection of Kodo's desire to play the drums simply and with the heart of a child.

In an evening that spans over four decades of taiko, Evolution tells the artistic and creative development of Kodo as phrases from signature pieces first heard in 1973 (performed under the name Ondekoza, the group that later became Kodo) to new works created for the premiere in 2016 showcase the ensemble’s meticulously honed skills.

Opening the evening is Kei Kei (2014) as the full cast of 15 performers take to the stage playing okedo-daiko (barrel drums) placed over their shoulders allowing the musicians to move amongst the reverberations. The versatility of this taiko drum is also showcased in Phobos (2009), Mute (2013), and Kusa-wake (2013).

After a break from recent One Earth Tour productions, the gigantic o-daiko drum returns to the stage in Evolution. Weighing 300 kg and measuring 140 cm in diameter, the flagship taiko drum is flanked by timpani and bass drums and conjures up deep and powerful rhythms in O-daiko.

Act one ends with Kodo's timeless signature piece, Monochrome (1977) is by legendary composer the late Maki Ishii. Contrasting the simple yet wild nature of taiko performance that is symbolic of Kodo’s direction today, the next generation of musicians use a balance of raw power and skill and play the shime-daiko, a high-pitched roped drum.

Act two opens with Color (2009) which utilizes the shime-daiko but in a completely different way. The performers put down their drumsticks and experiment with different percussive sounds as they tap the drums with their fingernails, rub the drums with their hands and throw clusters of jingling bells onto the skins of the drums.

Tackling the gender disparity often associated with taiko, Ake no Myojo (2012) raises the profile of female drummers as women of the ensemble take to the stage in a taiko, dance and song performance. The melodic bamboo flutes in Yuyami (2013) follows and creates a sense of nostalgia that leads into a newer piece Ayaori (2016).

Rasen draws the evening to a powerful close. Rasen features eight performers - the main soloist playing a hirado (large flat) taiko surrounded by seven performers on nagado (long) taiko, okedo (barrel) taiko and timpani. The octet produces complex and precise rhythms and reveals the remarkable variety of drumming techniques Kodo has perfected during its illustrious history.

Connexions Sandwell are hosting their annual New Year, New start event to help young people aged between 14 and 19 and looking for work, training or further education.

New Year, New start is at Sandwell College’s Central Sixth campus in New Street, West Bromwich, between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 20 January 2018.

There will be around 45 colleges, universities, apprenticeship/training providers and professions including law and accountancy there to give young people advice.

Big name companies will have exhibits at the event including Aldi, EY (formerly Ernst & Young), Carillion, meat and butchery specialists Tulip and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

There will also be stands from local colleges and universities including Sandwell College, Walsall College and the University of Wolverhampton.

For those who attend, there's also the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services said: "Last year’s event was really successful and attracted more than 1,300 people.

"I urge young people to come along and get advice that could help in making choices about qualifications and careers."

Parents and carers are also welcome to attend.

There was a community meeting on December 28th which was held at the Afro-Caribbean Millenium Centre, chaired by Desmond Jaddoo and Bentley Cunningham. The general consensus of the meeting was that there was a lack of information and transparency about community projects, businesses and organisations that are currently in serious trouble. There was uproar when the issue of The Mohammad Ali Centre was raised, and it became apparent that within this room, no one knew what was happening with the project, although it was also confirmed that there was a 999 year lease that is now in the hands of Hermin McIntosh who as you know is also the Chief Executive of Kajans Womens Enterprise, who ran Kajans Hospitality and Catering Studio College which had a massive amount of funds poured into it, although it has been documented that it failed to satisy the expectations required by the Government and was forced to close. Hermin is now at the head of the Mohammad Ali Centre, but was not available on the day to answer specific questions about who would benefit financially within the community with Kajan and herself holding the lease on such a well loved community initiative. There are many speculations around this issue, but it is fair to say that although there was not much public awareness given to the outcome of this decision, the community still feels that they have a right to know how it came about and why they have been granted the lease. The newspaper has been informed that Hermin would like a special meeting with those people who want to contribute to the development of the centre, either in ideas, resourcefulness or in labour. If this is enough for you, then please feel free to exercise your right to demand transparency as a member of the community. We have contacted the City Council for an official statement on the Mohammad Ali Centre, and will report back once we have had a response to this.

The Drum

We are liasing with Councillor Sharon Thompson and Birmingham City Council regarding The Drum, so that we can have a greater understanding as to what is happening to it, and again, how the community can get involved. Once again, this is a building that was purpose built for community use. It now stands empty, waiting for a prognosis on its future. We have not received any information pertaining to movements at The Drum, for, or against any developments with this particular organisation, but we are keen to keep you informed once we have spoken to the right authority so that we can give you definite responses and answers to your queries. Councillor Sharon Thompson has expressed that this is an initiative very close to her heart and she would like to see everything dealt with in the correct manner with full transparency for the benefit of the community at large.

The Bullring Indoor Markets

The Bullring Indoor Markets is such a sensitive issue, as with anything else that affects the Birmingham community, but it is one that keeps coming up time and time again. We were privileged to interview Alan Doherty, a well established and long serving butcher in the markets, who has expressed his concerns about the lack of footfall that the market is currently receiving, and has been for some time. Barlows, in particular, said that they would guarantee a sellout on Good Friday when 95% of his customers were from the Afro-Caribbean Community. How many of you remember the days when The Bullring Market was an integral place to meet friends, family and associates? If you’re like me, you’ll remember the atmosphere and vibrancy surrounding shopping days such as Tuesdays, where you could guarantee that public transport would be filled with our senior citizens along with people coming from all over to visit our wonderful market to get the finest cuts of meat. The displays were beautifully laid out, with succulent fresh choices of meat on display, with every counter promoting themselves with pride, inviting us to buy their produce. With that said, I have to say that this is unfortunately no longer the case. I very rarely go to the markets myself because it is no longer that wonderful place that it once was, in fact if I may say so myself, it’s rather scary. Although we appreciate that there are those who do purchase offal, and other parts of the animals not usually on display, it can be a little daunting for someone walking in to the market to see a display of numerous goat heads with eyes staring back at you from the counters, and the stench is said to be like no other. There are no longer attractive displays to encourage us to spend our hard earned money, and you no longer see the senior citizens out to buy produce in their droves. Do you remember when you could choose from an array of fresh fruit and vegetables, tatalisingly displayed to choose from? Now all we have are 2 bowls for £1. Everything is in a bowl, and although it may be a bargain for the few die hard shoppers, it seems to be a no-go area for many shoppers who used to delight in the pride of the stallholders of the markets. For butchers like AP Doherty, and Barlows that I personally remember from back in the day, I can only say how sorry we are to see the demise of such a legendary institution. Many things undergo change, and the Bullring Market is one of those changes that has truly affected an integral part of Birmingham and its communities. We respect the views and concerns of the market traders and sincerely hope that things will get better moving forward.

The Bank of England in partnership with Windsor Fellowship is recruiting for the African/African-Caribbean Scholarship Programme. The Programme is for students from a Black or Mixed African/ Caribbean background who are currently living or studying in Greater London, Manchester, Birmingham and surrounding areas and planning to start a full-time undergraduate degree in autumn 2018.

The African/African-Caribbean Scholarship Programme will offer successful applicants: · Up to £30,000 to be used to support living costs during an undergraduate degree · Paid Internships at the Bank of England in the summer holidays between 1st and 2nd years and 2nd and 3rd years · Mentoring, Coaching and Support from a member of the Bank of England team.

Eligibility and Application Criteria

· The Programme is open to students who have no restrictions and are eligible to work and study in the UK · Expected to secure at least 104, (Pre 2017, 260 UCAS points) UCAS points and have 5 A*-C GCSEs (or equivalent) including Mathematics and English · Have a household income below £50,000 · Have no restrictions on living/working in the UK

To find out more about the Bank of England and their Early Careers Programmes visit www.Bankofenglandearlycareers.co.uk/our-programmes

Further information about the Programme is available on the Windsor Fellowship website www.windsor-fellowship.org together with the link to the on-line application form.

The deadline for receipt of applications is midday GMT on the 22nd January 2018.

Birmingham’s John Taylor Hospice is aiming to reach more local families as it launches The Way Ahead, its new Three Year Strategic Plan.

The hospice, which has been at the heart of the city for more than 100 years, will achieve its aim by extending the hours of its Hospice at Home service which cares for people at end of life in their own homes, updating its day service and introducing new clinics.

An expert in providing care to people with a range of conditions including motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis, John Taylor will also expand its non-cancer provision, ensuring more people with terminal illnesses can receive help when, how and where they need it.

Hospice CEO Penny Venables said: “We are really proud of our three year strategy which will help us achieve our mission of a compassionate and dignified death for all.

“We know that John Taylor Hospice can make all the difference as people approach end of life and we are determined to ensure that care is available for more and more people in the future.”

The strategy document, which is available to view or download on the hospice website,also sets out the hospice’s plans to increase income by opening shops and supporting fundraisers in organising events.

“Like most hospices, we receive funding from the NHS but we also need the financial support of people and businesses to ensure we can provide the care we know local families need,” said Penny.

And John Taylor, which was a pathfinder for the national Hospice UK Open Up Hospice Care campaign last year, is also committed to changing society’s perceptions around death and dying.

“The more society talks about death and dying, the more people will demand specialist care which meets their needs,” added Penny. “As a hospice, we have an essential part to play locally and nationally in ensuring end of life care remains a critical part of healthcare funding. We’re also building partnerships with other health providers including hospices to meet local need.”

John Taylor Hospice was founded in 1910 and became part of the NHS in 1948, becoming independent in 2011. It provides care for local families at its hospice in Erdington and in the local community.

Services include its In-Patient Unit, Living Well Centre which provides day services, Well-Being Service and Community Teams including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists and Patient and Family Support Worker.

Penny added: “Our mission is to provide specialist care for people living with a terminal illness and their families and we need to respond to an every changing health environment. The Way Ahead - Our Three Year Strategic Plan provides us with the tools to do that. It is an exciting time for us and we look forward to the changes we will be making to bring our specialist care to more local families.”

A University of Wolverhampton art graduate was short listed in this year’s Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year competition.

Lindsay Pritchard, 46, from Wolverhampton graduated with an Honours and Master’s Degree in Illustration in the Visual Communications department of the Wolverhampton School of Art.

Having worked in the financial sector for 20 years, she left banking in 2007 to pursue her interest in art and now works in the creative industries running workshops, exhibiting her work and taking commissions.

Lindsay entered the national competition and recently appeared as one of eight shortlisted artists on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2017 filmed at Knaresborough Castle in Yorkshire.

She said:  “My work is mainly focused on the urban environment with a particular interest in dereliction and decay so I spend quite a lot of my time in derelict factories and junk yards.

“It was an amazing adventure being short listed for such a prestigious competition.  All the artists had to set up and complete a landscape painting in one day whilst being filmed so the pressure was really on.  Then we had to wait for our work to be judged. Whilst I didn’t make it through to the next stage of the competition, the experience was incredible.

“Studying Illustration at the University really opened up a whole new world for me and helped me to harness my true potential as an artist.”

Lindsay is an active member of the Black Country Urban Sketchers whose aim is to encourage people to sketch in their local environment. She is also a member of the Wolverhampton Society of Artists exhibiting in their exhibitions and attending their regular meets.

One in ten UK adults said they were considering buying or giving a home to a dog or cat before the end of the year, according to new research from Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance, with an even split between those intending to get a cat or  a dog.

Throughout the festive season 5% of UK adults said they were considering buying a puppy or a kitten while 3% planned to give a home to a rescue dog or cat.

Sainsbury’s Bank says those who have a new puppy or kitten should get their pet insured from a young age as they can be particularly vulnerable to parasites and prone to accidents as they explore their new home.

Analysis of Sainsbury’s Bank’s claims data shows that from 2013 to 2017 there were 24% more claims for pets aged under two than those aged between two and three.

Further analysis of the claims data shows that the ailments that younger pets (aged 0-1) suffer more frequently than older pets (aged 2-3) are: leg/hip/shoulder disorders (56% more common), skin disorders (41% more common) and accidents and injuries (38% more common).

West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Deputy Chief Executive, Diane Scott, has been named in this year’s New Year’s Honours List as one of only two England- based recipients of the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal (QAM).

The QAM ensures that the dedication of ambulance staff has the same level of Royal recognition as other members of the emergency services.

Diane is an Executive Director of the Trust Board and is responsible for the Corporate and Clinical Directorates. She is also a Health and Care Professions Council registered paramedic.

Speaking about her award, Diane, who’s career spans more than 30 years having started with Hampshire Ambulance Service in 1985, said: “I am immensely proud and honoured to receive this award. It is a great privilege and the QAM represents the pinnacle of my ambulance career.

“I have been proud to work for, and with, many good people at all levels throughout the ambulance service and the NHS, including many skilled and compassionate colleagues who provide excellent care on a daily basis to patients and the public.

“Whilst I have been fortunate to receive the award, it would not have happened without the hard work and support of my colleagues from within the ambulance service to whom I am extremely grateful.”

Penn Library will be temporarily unavailable to customers from next month to enable improvement work to take place.

The £60,000-plus investment will see the library redecorated and its back-office space reconfigured to create a new community lounge and meeting room. The layout of the library will also be reviewed to make better use of the space.

Due to the extensive nature of the work, it will be necessary to temporarily close the library from 4pm on Saturday 6 January until 9am on Tuesday 6 March 2018. The car park will also be closed during this time.

Customers are reminded that, during the closure, they can continue to use any other library in the City – the nearest are Warstones Library on Pinfold Grove, Blakenhall Library at the Bob Jones Community Hub on Bromley Street and the main Central Library on Snow Hill – and can renew any items they have borrowed by visiting www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries or calling the 24-hour renewals line, 01902 552500.

Customers are also invited to sign up to the new BorrowBox service and choose from a selection of hundreds of eBooks and eAudiobooks to download to their mobile device for free – for more information, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "While in other parts of the country libraries are closing, here in the City of Wolverhampton we are continuing to invest in these important community assets.

“We are always seeking ways to improve our libraries and make them modern, vibrant and sustainable, and are carrying out this work at Penn Library as part of our 10-year transformation strategy for Wolverhampton’s libraries.

“The work will make Penn Library more community-orientated and increase the number of people who are able to make use of this vital facility. We will also be taking the opportunity to replace old shelving and review the layout of the library so that we can maximise the use of space.

“I would like to thank customers for bearing with us while this essential work is completed."

1. Research by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has found that more than half of people surveyed have given away an unwanted Christmas present, either to a charity or to someone else.

   In addition, more than three-quarters of people (78%) feel that Christmas in the UK has become too materialistic, and that 44% of people agreed that they had “too much stuff”. In addition, 58% of people had given an unwanted Christmas present either to a charity or to someone else.

   Among the festive gifts people said they had donated to charity or given away were:

   · A Scottie dog cookie container · A slow cooker · Slippers that you heat up in the microwave · Cleaning cloths · A globe · An ironing board · An indoor fountain · Candle wick scissors · A 12 inch plush animatronic Spider-Man that sang Itsy-Bitsy Spider · A book about dogs for someone without a dog

   About half those surveyed (51%) said giving to charities made them feel happy.

   Sir John Low, chief executive of CAF, said:

   “Everyone loves getting presents at Christmas but it’s also a time when we think about making a new start in the new year. As we count the pile of presents that we’ve enjoyed receiving from family and friends, we can also think of ways to help those less fortunate.

   “Donating items to charity that we’ll never use is a great way of raising much-needed funds for a good cause.”

Winter warmth packs were handed out this week to older and vulnerable people in Oldbury and Smethwick to help them through the cold weather.

The special packs contain thermal blankets, hats, gloves, hot water bottle and mugs to help them through the winter months. They also include thermal scarves and socks and dried soup.

Council officers, councillors and partner organisations have been delivering the winter warmth packs to residents in Smethwick and Oldbury as part of a scheme initiated by local councillors in the two towns.

The 800 packs are targeted to those most in need. All packs have now been sent out for delivery.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, Sandwell Council deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: "This is a scheme to support older and vulnerable people, helping them to stay warm in the winter months."

Qatar Airways is celebrating a successful year of tremendous growth, network expansion and a record-breaking number of award wins at the end of this, its 20^th year of operations.

Despite a challenging regional environment, the airline continued to deliver beyond expectations throughout 2017, accelerating new routes, doubling frequencies and capacity to numerous destinations and launching its award-winning new Business Class seat, Qsuite. At a time when many airlines are scaling back, Qatar Airways continued to thrive, showcasing to the world its award-winning, best-in-class cabins, catering, in-flight entertainment, on-board magazine, lounges and more.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “This year, our twentieth anniversary as an airline, is particularly special for us. As we reflect on our achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to providing excellence in the skies, ensuring that our passenger’s holiday or leisure trip starts the moment they step onto one of our aircraft. We remain committed to expanding our global network, and to taking our passengers anywhere in the world they wish to go.”

“After twenty years of service, we vow to never rest on our achievements, but rather to focus on how we can continue to innovate, and to deliver an exceptional five-star experience to every one of our passengers, no matter what class they travel. Against the backdrop of the illegal blockade against the State of Qatar, we are more committed than ever to welcoming everyone onboard and taking them wherever they need to go.”

Route Expansion

One of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Qatar Airways launched 11 exciting new destinations in 2017, including Auckland, New Zealand – the world’s longest commercial flight - Nice; France; Dublin, Republic of Ireland; Skopje; Sohar, Oman; Kyiv, Ukraine; Prague, Czech Republic, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Adana, Turkey; Chiang Mai, Thailand and St. Petersburg, Russia.

In addition to launching flights to beautiful Chiang Mai, its fourth destination in Thailand, the airline also introduced a fifth daily non-stop service to Bangkok as well as a daily service to Krabi, offering both business and leisure travellers even more convenience and flexibility when travelling to and from the Land of Smiles. In January 2018, it will commence service to Pattaya, the airline’s fifth Thai destination.

Qatar Airways will also add a new direct daily service to Hanoi, withHo Chi Minh City’s daily service increasing by three flights a week to 10 starting 1 January 2018.

The airline introduced its superjumbo A380 aircraft to Melbourne and will soon introduce it on its Perth route, enhancing capacity to Australia ahead of the airline’s launch of service to Canberra in 2018. Qatar Airways also proudly became the first airline ever to fly the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 to the Maldives twice daily.

Qatar Airways also doubled its frequencies to a number of destinations in Eastern Europe, the Nordics and Russia, following a significant increase in passenger demand to the popular destinations of Warsaw, Helsinki, and Moscow, with increases to Prague and Kyiv following just shortly after the launch of the routes themselves.

Qsuite

Qatar Airways proudly launched its new Business Class seat, Qsuite, at ITB Berlin in March 2017 to outstanding global acclaim, bringing a First Class experience to the Business Class cabin. The first aircraft fully-fitted with Qsuite was launched on the Doha-London route during the summer, and was soon followed by Paris and most recently New York, with Washington soon to follow. Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, is already fast collecting awards for offering the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors allow colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together.

Award Wins

Qatar Airways enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2017, with the airline claiming more global awards than ever before in its 20^th year of operations. Qatar’s national carrier received more than 50 individual awards across multiple categories since January, demonstrating its continued commitment to exceeding passenger expectations with its innovative approach to product development and dedication to customer experience.

Leading the host of awards received by the airline this year is the prestigious accolade of 2017 ‘Airline of the Year,’ awarded by international air transport rating organization Skytrax. Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class,’ ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’ at the Skytrax awards ceremony held in Paris in June.

Notably, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, received the ‘Aviation Executive of the Year’ award from industry body CAPA last month, highlighting his leadership and innovative direction in guiding the growth of the airline and the wider aviation industry as a whole.

H.E. Mr. Al Baker was also elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of prestigious global aviation industry body International Air Transport Association (IATA), effective June 2018. The rotating one-year term will commence at the end of IATA’s 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney and will continue until the end of its 2019 AGM.

Fleet Expansion/Acquisitions

Qatar Airways took delivery of 19 new aircraft in 2017, taking its total fleet to 212 aircraft. The airline also recently upsized an earlier order for 50 Airbus A320neo with a firm order instead for 50 of the larger A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex configuration), in an order signed earlier this month in the presence of the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron.

Qatar Airways continued to forge strong partnerships around the world and proved its commitment to creating lasting relationships with global partners. In November, it announced an acquisition in fellow oneworld member Cathay Pacific, purchasing approximately 9.61 per cent of Cathay Pacific’s total issued share capital.

The airline further strengthened its commitment to Italy with the acquisition of 49 per cent of AQA Holding, the new parent company of Meridiana fly (Meridiana), while the previous sole shareholder Alisarda has kept 51 per cent.

In June Qatar Airways released its annual results for the 2017 fiscal year, revealing an impressive 21.7 per cent year-on-year net profit increase. The results also showed an annual revenue increase of 10.4 per cent.

Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo took delivery of two new Boeing 747-800 freighters and its thirteenth Boeing 777 freighter this year, continuing its trajectory of rapid growth and expansion. In October, Qatar Airways Cargo announced Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as its latest freighter destination in the United States, making it the first international airline to commence freighter service to Pittsburgh. The cargo carrier also added Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Quito, Miami, Phnom Penh and Yangon to its dedicated freighter network in 2017, strengthening its commitment to supporting the global air trade and supply chain industry.

Qatar Airways Cargo’s continuous investment in ground infrastructure has proven its capability and capacity to accommodate increased demand since the diplomatic blockade on the State of Qatar began in June. The cargo carrier opened two new facilities during the summer, its dedicated Climate Control Centre and Cargo Overflow structure, providing close to an additional 10,000 sqm of temperature-controlled handling space to manage an increase in food imports into Qatar.

Qatar Airways Cargo recorded high volumes, revenues, yields and market shares in 2017, and was the only international cargo carrier with significant growth in freight tonnes kilometres (FTK) this year.

Community/Sponsorships

Corporate Social Responsibility remained an important part of Qatar Airways’ values in 2017. The airline renewed its sponsorship as Official Airline Partner to Orbis UK for a further three years. The airline has been a proud sponsor of Orbis and its blindness prevention programmes since 2012. Qatar Airways also continued to be a proud supporter of the Educate-A-Child programme, which helps provide quality primary school education to millions of out-of-school children globally.

Qatar Airways was also announced as an Official Partner and Official Airline of FIFA, as part of a groundbreaking sponsorship package lasting through 2022. Upcoming events sponsored by Qatar Airways will include the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. As an Official Partner of FIFA, Qatar Airways will have extensive marketing and branding rights at the next two FIFA World Cups, with an expected audience reach of more than two billion people per tournament. The airline will also have visibility at competitions such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the FIFA Futsal World Cup and the FIFA Interactive World Cup, the world’s largest online gaming tournament.

Qatar Airways also responded to demand from passengers seeking to transport their pets around the world by reducing the price to the lowest rates ever into and out of Doha. As the only airline that will carry pets as excess baggage to and from Qatar, the airline significantly reduced the cost of travelling with a pet.

The Future

Qatar Airways looks ahead with excitement to 2018, when it will launch a host of exciting new destinations, including Penang, Malaysia; Canberra, Australia; Thessaloniki, Greece and Cardiff, Wales, the airline’s fifth UK gateway, to name just a few. The airline will also be the global launch customer and launch operator of the Airbus A350-1000 in 2018.

The highest standards of excellence, perseverance and a commitment to innovation are the values that have led Qatar Airways to be named the World’s Best Airline in 2017, and which it will carry with it into 2018.

Nearly £600 was raised for the Mayor of Sandwell's charities at the West Bromwich Community Awards night.

And today the Mayor Councillor Ahmadul Haque MBE received the cheque for £592.70 from West Bromwich town lead Councillor Steve Melia.

The money was raised through an auction and donations during the awards ceremony at West Bromwich Town Hall earlier this month (December).

The Mayor is raising money this year for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Your Trust Charity, run by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, specifically raising money for cancer services and research.

Councillor Haque said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone in West Bromwich who gave donations or took part in the auction at the awards evening to help raise money for these two very important charities."