Almost 17,000 people across the UK have followed in the gravity-free footsteps of Major Tim Peake thanks to the ground-breaking Space Descent VR experience. Samsung provided its technology and created a fully immersive VR lounge that transports visitors into space before the VR experience has even begun. The VR technology allows users to take the magnificent 400km descent from the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth, aboard the legendary Soyuz TMA-19M module.

To date, two-thirds of the 549 intrepid souls to have travelled beyond the Earth’s atmosphere are American, but Samsung and the Science Museum Group continue their task to make space travel in the UK accessible to all through Tim Peake’s spacecraft national tour.

Tim Peake’s iconic Soyuz capsule is on a two-year UK tour that is presented by Samsung & the Science Museum Group, which has to date attracted almost 200,000 visitors to see the spacecraft alone, experiencing space travel for themselves.

Having previously landed in Bradford, Shildon and York, the tour continues from Saturday 10th March at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry. As part of this ‘first of its kind’ tour, Samsung is also working closely with the Science Museum Group on a national schools outreach programme, aimed at engaging young people in STEM subjects. Over the coming six weeks, surrounding Manchester schools will be visited by the Space Descent with Tim Peake VR experience tour bus, designed to look like the ISS. Students will undergo a space training programme and have the opportunity to experience Space Descent VR, inspiring a new generation of burgeoning space explorers.

Sam Grant, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, says, “It’s incredible that we’ve brought the Soyuz capsule to its fourth UK city now. There’s clearly an appetite for using technology in ways that transform how we learn, given that so many people are engaging with our Space Descent VR experience. This truly is an unforgettable experience for museum visitors, one that we hope sparks curiosity beyond the day-to-day.”

Astrophysicist and TV presenter Danielle George MBE supports the Manchester leg of the campaign. “I’m thrilled to be part of such an exciting exhibition. It’s crucial that children have access to these kinds of resources – it expands their education and interest in STEM subjects, and is key to defining the career choices that children go on to make. Samsung and the Science Museum Group will no doubt continue to inspire young people as they take the Soyuz spacecraft around the nation.”

The Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft will be on-site at Manchester’s Museum of Space and Industry until 13 May 2018.

The University of Wolverhampton has launched a new Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies which will be the first of its kind in the UK.

The new Centre was officially launched by Dr Satinder Sartaaj, renowned Punjabi singer and poet, in the Chancellor’s Hall at the University’s City Campus at a celebratory ceremony attended by members of the local community, University staff and students as well as local dignitaries.

Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, Course Leader in Religious Studies in the School of Humanities and an internationally-recognised researcher in Sikhism who has published extensively on the Sikh and Panjabi community, has been appointed Director of the Centre.

The Centre will offer PhDs and Master’s level courses in Sikh studies, as well as continuing professional development (CPD) courses for teachers and managers of diverse workforces such as national and local government, the NHS and the emergency services.

It will also offer training for Granthis and Gianis, individuals taking the religious lead in Gurdwaras, short courses in religious literacy and language to address the loss of the Panjabi language in younger generations, as well as teaching in English to promote bilingualism and skills for life.

The Centre will be involved with the exchange of knowledge on an international platform using the links it has already established with Sikh Studies scholars across the globe.

Opinderjit said: “The Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies will be based around a nationally-leading research hub, with large-scale research projects into Sikh history, art and literature, diaspora, identity, inter-religious dialogue, culture, community and place, all within the context of a 21st century global society.

“To highlight our research we will create an open access peer-reviewed scholarly journal, an annual Sikh Studies research conference, a public lecture series and research-informed exhibitions.

“We aim to be a centre of academic excellence by becoming the national voice for academics active within Sikh and Panjabi Studies and through links with overseas institutions, particularly with universities in Panjab, we will provide opportunities for student exchanges and other collaborative projects to encourage understanding around the world. The focus will be on lifelong learning from both inter-faith and inter-disciplinary perspectives with an aim to increase knowledge and promote dialogue.

“Our aspiration is to create a space for current and future generations in which they can feel comfortable in enquiring about their faith, its principles and ethos. The Centre will be a ‘go-to place’ for any individuals or organisations wanting to know more about the Sikhs and their faith, and it will be the first of its kind in the UK.”

Ninder Johal, Chief Executive Officer of Nachural Group and Independent Governor at the University, said: “The Sikhs are an important part of the United Kingdom and play a substantial role in the global economy. But too often this young religion has not had a voice that represents its views politically, economically and theologically.

“The Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies will correct this with both academic and real-world rigour. It will offer everyone an opportunity to work with a leading university so that we all have a better understanding of this fantastic and globally sympathetic religion.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the new Centre should contact Dr Takhar by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and if you would like to make a charitable donation to the Centre contact Terry Gibson, Development Manager, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dayna Landsborough, from Plymstock, in Devon, has won The Cinnamon Trust’s Young Volunteer of the Year Award for 2018.

Dayna, aged 21, was given the award – supported by Fish4Dogs and in association with the Young Kennel Club – on the penultimate day of Crufts (Saturday 10 March) at the NEC, Birmingham.

The Plymouth University sociology undergraduate has been walking 12-year-old, black Labrador, Jet, for four years now having volunteered her services to the Cinnamon Trust at the age of 17.

Her love of dogs prompted her to apply but over the years she struck-up a deep and meaningful relationship with Jet’s owner Meg Gray and late husband Charlie.

For the first two years, she walked Jet three-times a week and not even the pressures of starting university, and studying for exams could deter her commitment. Dayna and Meg, who is now 87 and battling cancer, have become such good friends that Meg considers her “family”.

Dayna helped Meg when she lost Charlie in 2016, visiting her regularly and taking her small gifts to cheer her up.

Meg was unable to attend Dayna’s presentation but said: “Dayna spreads sunshine wherever she goes.  She is a real treasure to me and Jet and we are so lucky to have her in our lives.

“I have cancer now but I have had a good innings and do not intend to have chemo, I have had curly hair all my life and I do not intend to lose it! Knowing that Dayna is there for Jet means a great deal to me.”

Dayna was presented with ceremonial plate, silver brooch pin and a goody bag, plus a hamper of pet food and treats provided by Fish4Dogs.

Cinnamon Trust founder, Averil Jarvis MBE, said that all the shortlisted candidates demonstrated a heart-warming commitment to looking after the companion animals of those in need but that the bond between Dayna and Meg shone through.

“Despite the age difference, they are genuine friends and say such lovely things about each other. It is clear to see that there is a very real affection that has grown through Dayna’s desire to give something back and help in Jet’s care.”

Following the presentation, Dayna paid tribute to her friend Meg: “I never imagined that, when I started walking a dog in the community, I would not only gain a furry companion but a genuine friend in Meg. She is a woman who has done it all, and that is no exaggeration. A former WREN and mother – a strong woman who is a force to be reckoned with.

Three West Midlands apprentices received a special accolade when they attended the House of Commons for an event showcasing the vibrant pub, bar, brewing and casual dining sectors during National Apprenticeship Week.

Over 100 apprentices aged between 16 and 59 were invited to attend the event, but only nine of those were nominated by their employer to receive a Certificate of Outstanding Recognition for making a significant impact during the course of their learning.

Three of those were from the West Midlands:

·      Ben Shaw, apprentice kitchen manager at owned Toby Carvery in Norton Canes was nominated by his employer Mitchells & Butlers

·      Vickie Craig, from JJ's in Coventry, nominated by Deltic

·      Dave Albon, a 59 year old apprentice chef from the Brasshouse in Birmingham, nominated by the Stonegate Pub Company

The apprentices were presented with their certificates by Andrew Griffiths MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility.

Delighted to receive his award, Ben said: “I want to do my level four, work my way up in the business and get myself to a place where I can open my own restaurant.

I have real career aims and goals. Every day I wake up with a bit more of a drive to do better in life.

"When I first started my job, I was 21 stone. I worked for a year and I lost 10 and a half stone. It made me feel 100 per cent better and more confident in what I wanted to do with life. It just made me feel like a better person in general. Once I had done all my courses I realised I wanted to do cooking. I am hands on and hospitality was right for me. My mum has worked in the hospitality trade for 10-12 years and she is now in a team leader role at the same place as me. I work with my sister as well.

“The passion of wanting to be better has made me work harder, more efficiently and has made me lose my weight. I just worked harder. Instead of scrubbing the floor in 10 minutes, I’d do it in five; instead of pot washing down in 20 minutes, I’d do it in 10. That intensity of going faster and harder made me lose my weight.”

At 59, Dave was the oldest apprentice at the event. He said: “We're learning about back-of-house leadership and it has definitely improved what I am doing. It brings everything back and hones in on the major things. I would recommend becoming and apprentice to both junior and senior colleagues because it is something you are doing to learn and being paid to do it at the same time.”

This was the second Apprenticeship Showcase event organised by the Perceptions hospitality industry group, which saw over 100 MPs in attendance, as well as 30 employers from the hospitality industry and Great British Bake Off star Candice Brown, who challenged MPs to 'have a go' at whipping, whisking, pint pulling and wine tasting.

Chairman of the Perceptions hospitality industry group and CEO of multi-award winning Beds & Bars, Keith Knowles, said: “Showcasing our industry to government and demonstrating the vast opportunities from kitchen and bar roles to those in marketing and finance, highlights the diversity of our vibrant sector.

"It is not unusual for our apprentices to start at grass roots on minimum wage and progress to senior management positions. For young people, career progression can be rapid, with many progressing to a management role within three years.”

The hospitality sector supports 2m jobs, represents 10% of UK employment, 6% of businesses and 5% of GDP. It is the third largest private sector employer - double the size of financial services and bigger than automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace combined. The sector is forecast to grow by 4.3% creating 19,000 more jobs by 2020.

There are signs of positive local wildlife conservation efforts to protect the natural resources in Tanzania through community involvement, mostly in wildlife protection.

Wildlife is the leading source of tourism and the biggest attraction, pulling about one million tourists as the past year numbers show. Wildlife populations have suffered in recent decades from poaching and clashes with people involved in other economic activities, such as farming and mining.

A new study had found that community-based wildlife conservation can quickly result in clear ecological success, with the largest and smallest species being among the winners.

A paper published recently by the scientists from the Wild Nature Institute, documented significantly higher densities of giraffes and dik-diks, and lower densities of cattle in a community Wildlife Management Area (WMA) relative to an unprotected control site in Tanzania.

The positive ecological effects were clearly the result of the WMA, because the study found similar wildlife and livestock densities in the WMA and control sites before WMA establishment, when both were managed by the same authority.

Dr. Derek Lee, lead author of the study and Principal Scientist at Wild Nature Institute said: “There have been social and economic critiques of WMAs, but the ecological value or success of WMAs for wildlife conservation had never been quantified.

“Our data demonstrated that WMA establishment and management had positive ecological outcomes in the form of higher wildlife densities and lower livestock densities. This met our definition of ecological success, and hopefully these results will encourage more community-based conservation efforts.”

Community-based natural resource management, established on the transference of resource management and user rights from central government agencies to local communities, is promoted as a conservation tool and has become the dominant paradigm of natural resource conservation worldwide.

Unfortunately, the ecological success or failure of these projects is rarely rigorously assessed.

In Tanzania, efforts to decentralize wildlife management to local communities occur through the creation of WMAs, whereby several villages set aside land for wildlife conservation in return for the majority of tourism revenues from these areas.

Nineteen WMAs are currently operating, encompassing 6.2 million hectares of Tanzania’s land area, with 19 more WMAs planned.

The Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has been supporting community projects for villages neighboring the national parks and the public at large through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program known in Tanzania’s lingua franca Kiswahili as “Ujirani Mwema” or “Good Neighborliness.”

The “Ujirani Mwema” initiative had shown a positive trend, bringing reconciliation between the humans and their natural enemies – the wild animals. Now, people in villages realize the importance of wildlife and tourism to their lives, keeping away the old notion that wild creatures had no value to humans.

Under this program, the National Parks management release a big amount of funds accrued from tourism for community projects, mostly schools, health facilities, clean water supply and support to poor children in designated areas.

At the national level, the national parks have successfully maintained a competitive advantage over other tourist destinations. They stand as the leading tourist attractions, while adding a value to other attractive sites outside the parks including the Indian Ocean beaches, historical sites, cultural tourist sites and other such tourist attractive places.

As a result, the parks have become tourist selling points for Tanzania. The National Parks had raised tourism to an important sector of the economy for Tanzania’s development.

A dog breeder from Coventry, West Midlands has won the Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition at Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show.

Margaret Anderson whose team comprised Zentarr Brockman handled by Margaret, Champion Zentarr George handled by Leah Scales, Zentarr Matthew handled by Beverley Manners and Croatian Champion Zentarr Tobias handled by Belinda Yaxley, won the ultimate breeder’s title with their team of Lhasa Apsos in front of a packed Genting Arena at the NEC, Birmingham. The team beat 31 other breeders to win the competition.

Judge Ronnie Irving selected Margaret’s team of Lhasa Apsos for the prize as the breeder with the best overall quality evident in their dogs.

Margaret will be familiar to dog lovers, as her Champion Zentarr Elizabeth was crowned as Crufts Best in Show winner in 2012. All four dogs in this year’s Crufts team are descended from the famous Elizabeth – her son, grandson and two great grandsons, all bred under Margaret’s Zentarr kennel name.

Speaking about her win, Margaret said: “I am always shocked when I win anything. When we were shortlisted among the final ten teams, I said I was more than satisfied with that. However, then the judge walked towards us and I couldn’t believe it. I thought all the ten final teams had some stunning dogs – it was a great honour to win against such beautiful examples of their breed. One of our handlers, Leah, is only 14 years old and it was super to see how much she enjoyed the whole experience.”

Reserve best breeder was awarded to Ruth Gee from Worksop, Nottinghamshire with her team of Norfolk Terriers which she breeds under the Watercroft kennel name.

The competition, sponsored by Agria Pet Insurance, made a welcome comeback at the show last year as a stand-alone competition. Each team comprised three or four dogs of one breed, all bred by the same breeder or breeding partnership.

Gerald King, Crufts Chairman, said: “We are very pleased for Margaret on her excellent achievement. She and Ruth are clearly both very talented breeders. Their dogs are a testament to each of their breeds, and it is fantastic to celebrate the time and effort they put into developing sound breeding practices to produce healthy and happy dogs for the show ring.”