Special Guest Speaker, Jamaica High Commissioner for the UK, His Excellency Mr. Seth George Ramocan, said: “It’s about where Jamaica is and for you to be a part of it,” as he spoke to the specially invited audience at the ‘Jamaica Evening’ at the H Suite in Birmingham.

“It warms my heart to see Jamaica’s unity in strength,” he said, “especially seeing it in work here. Seeing the work tonight’s organiser, Dean Alexander, and his mom, Dr. Beverly Lindsey, do in this city warms my heart.”

H.E Ramocan was speaking as the gathered guests; who included the likes of the founder and CEO of Caribbean food producer Cleone Foods Wade Lyn CBE, TPN Media’s own Founder/Managing Editor Marcia McLaughlin, Dr. Beverly Lindsey OBE OD VLL, Leighton Smith who is Chief Representative Officer at Victoria Mutual Finance Limited, former Aston Villa, Liverpool, Rangers and England footballer Mark Walters and many more.

Lets not forget that Beverly Lindsay OBE OD VLL and Diamond Travel have been championing Jamaica and the Caribbean as destinations for both tourism and investment for a number of years now. The Caribbean Evening was created about 6 years ago to promote Diamond Travel, and to give back to their loyal customers and and was started at the Birmingham Community Association.

The first time had over 300 people, then it moved to the Drum, then Aston Villa, and last year was to celebrate Diamond Travel's 30th year of business, done with Virgin Atlantic to give back to the community that supported them.

Hosted by Tony Marshall – receptionist Noel Garcia in the hit BBC TV drama Casualty – everyone present was at pains to take in what the High Commissioner was addressing, especially in light of the current ‘Windrush Generation’ issue which has itself found a ‘casualty’ following the resignation of the government’s Home Secretary, Amber Rudd.

“Jamaica is the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean,’” Ramocan said. ”There are more Jamaicans outside of the country than ever before.” The topic of crime in the country was also raised by the High Commissioner and addressed, informing the audience exactly how the country was cleaning up problem areas.

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A prominent presence on the night was Victoria Mutual Finance Limited, with Leighton Smith, highlighting the investment opportunities on the Caribbean island; “Take a look at Jamaica...” he said, “...and you will fall in love with it.

“Jamaica is much more than a holiday – it’s a great investment.

“There’s a massive amount of foreign investment moving into the country and, as it is going, within 10 years or so, there probably would not be any land available to take on.  That is why we, Jamaica’s first financial port-hold, are here - to help you with your investment - on your land.

“It’s about making Jamaica financially independent.”

He marked up Stonebrook Manor, in Falmouth and Phoenix Park in Montego Bay, as highly appreciable property venues - for anywhere from the equivalent of £40,000 to £135,000 – before introducing a representative from the acclaimed Moreland Developments with highly sought-after property in Mandeville. It was refreshing to hear from someone making investment opportunities sound so sexy, especially at the prices that were quoted, enticing many in the room to take to their phones to make notes and bookmark opportunities to look at. St. Elizabeth properties, they made clear, are also soon to come.

For those not quite ready, there, there were opportunities to see the sun, sea and golden sands of Jamaica, on the night, with a luxury 7-day holiday to Moon Palace, on offer through a raffle draw.

George Ruddock from the Jamaica Gleaner sent a message to the Jamaican Community to continue its support for an institution like the Gleaner. He proudly spoke of the biggest selling front page news story they had had in recent times from two years ago, and how the paper will evolve looking to the future.

EastEnders star, Rudolf Walker, was also a very prominent presence as he highlighted the fight against one of the world’s greatest killers; prostate cancer. “Black men, especially,” he said, “must know the risk. ‘Conversation’ saves lives and men need to open up and talk more about this issue – It can save yours, or someone else’s, life.”

On the night there was also a presentation on diabetes by Tony Kelly of Diabetes UK, a well known supporter, and probably one of the best at spreading the news about diabetes prevention  and maintenance -  before, on a lighter note, limbo dancing and music from Steel Pulse legend, Basil Gabbidon and Friends, made for this, the fifth Jamaica and Friends Dinner, probably the best yet.

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Every year for harvest festival hundreds of children and supporters from the world of food and farming gather in churches up and down the land with boxes packed with home-grown produce.  It’s our way of giving thanks for the bounty of food from the land.  And it’s a tradition that brings communities together with the church playing a central role.

Love British Food organised a special National Harvest Service with Westminster Abbey in 2013, attended by hundreds of children and a host of supporters from the world of food and farming to celebrate the British food and harvest and welcome the Love British Food Harvest Torch.  Each year since then the Harvest Torch has visited different areas of the country from Birmingham, Bristol Lincoln to Pembrokeshire and this year will visit Chelmsford Cathedral on 29th-30th September and then on to Ely Cathedral for 12th-14th October.

British Food Fortnight which this year runs from 22 Sept -7 Oct coincides with the celebration of the National Harvest Festival as a prominent part of their calendar of events.  The Co-op is again playing a big part in the Fortnight and will be on hand to support local harvest festivals in any way they can.

The team behind British Food Fortnight pulled together the following tips for churches to make harvest time celebrations even bigger:

• Remember everyone in your community can play a part so reach out to the following: social groups, your local Co-op, schools, clubs (WI, Guides and Scouts etc.), food producers, local food suppliers and local agricultural organisations (NFU, Young Farmers, etc.)
• Start planning early.  Work with local schools to get a programme of activity together.  This could involve music and singing, art or cookery (using ingredients from local producers).  Potato painting and printing is also very popular, also cream teas, harvest supper, etc.
• Get in touch with local farms, food producers and manufacturers in your region and gauge how much involvement they can give. Many farms will supply fresh fruit and vegetables to form the basis of a large display.
• Many communities organise food festivals during the summer months.  Approach organisers of these events and discuss how they can get involved.
• Reach out to your local radio stations and papers for publicity.

Local companies wanting to know if their goods or services could sell overseas can discuss the opportunities via a series of new online surgeries.

Organised by West Midlands Chambers of Commerce’s ERDF SME International Growth project, the Meet the Market sessions will enable ambitious companies to speak to commercial advisers based in British Embassies or Chambers of Commerce across the world.

There are five online sessions available this month (May 2018), each of which provides the opportunity to book one-to-one appointments with Embassy staff in Germany, Chile, Switzerland, Austria and France. Companies based in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Shropshire are eligible.

Andy Smith, International Relationships Manager for SME International Growth Project, said: “One of the best parts of exporting is the chance to travel the world, growing your business while you're at it.

“While visiting a market and meeting face to face is one of the best ways to develop a successful business relationship, we understand this isn't always possible.

“It’s why we are working with our contacts based at British Embassies to enable businesses to assess the local demand for their products or services using easily available technology, which is easy to set up and can be conducted anywhere with internet access.”

People who want to get on the fast track to university or the road to a new career are being encouraged to enrol on special courses offered by Adult Education Wolverhampton.

The Outstanding-rated provider’s Level 3, 4 and 5 courses provide a range of opportunities for adults to improve their skills and bolster their CVs – and a series of open days will be taking place over the next few weeks to enable people to find out more.

The courses include Access to Higher Education Diplomas in Art and Design; Business Management; Health including Midwifery or Nursing; Music Technology; and Social Science or Social Work, ideal for those who want to get on the fast track to university.

People who want a career in the classroom can take advantage of Adult Education Wolverhampton's Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3, which will enable them to work with teachers to support children and young people in mainstream schools or colleges, while the Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools or Colleges Level 4 provides excellent professional development for experienced teaching assistants.

Adult Education Wolverhampton also offers a range of options for students wanting to work in the creative industries, including the Level 3 Certificate in Creative Craft in Floristry; in Painting and Drawing; and in Sewing and Textiles.

For those who want to teach English as a foreign language, the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults (CELTA) Level 5 qualification is one of the most popular and desirable English language teaching qualifications worldwide.

Finally, Adult Education Wolverhampton is offering a Level 3 British Sign Language (BSL) course, enabling people to improve and extend their signing skills in different contexts and study the linguistics of BSL. Upon completion, students can work as communication support for the deaf or progress to the next level of study required to follow a career in interpreting.

More information about Level 3, 4 and 5 courses is available at the open days taking place at the Foyer Building, City Learning Quarter, St Georges Parade, Wolverhampton, on Wednesdays 16 May and 6 June from 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm, and on Thursdays 17 May and 7 June from 10am-1pm. Alternatively, please call 01902 551654, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or log on to www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Melody Mutudza, who went on to complete a degree and masters in social work at university after taking the Access to Higher Education Diploma with Adult Education Wolverhampton, said: "I was unable to go to university because I had been out of education for a while and needed a refresher.

"I felt comfortable being with students of the same age with similar experiences. There was a lot of support and the atmosphere was accommodating to any person of any background.”

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "Whether it is to pursue a particular ambition, get into university or change career, there are many reasons to consider one of the Level 3, 4 and 5 courses offered by Adult Education Wolverhampton.”

Central Library is inviting people to enjoy a Coffee and Chat to mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

The free drop-in event takes place from 10.30am-2pm on Wednesday (16 May) and will enable residents to find out more about the services available to support their mental health and wellbeing while also enjoying light refreshments.

Taking part will be a range of mental health providers including Starfish Wolverhampton Social Hub, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Community Support Team and Carer Support Team, HeadStart Wolverhampton, Healthy Minds, Healthwatch Wolverhampton and Memory Matters.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to find out how they can improve their mental health and wellbeing over a cuppa in a relaxed environment.”

The Coffee and Chat drop-in is one of a series of events taking place in Wolverhampton to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 14-20 May and is organised by the Mental Health Foundation. For more information, please visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk.

A Walsall College apprentice has reached the final of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy in London, after passing the Liverpool semi-finals with flying colours.

Established in 1956, L'Oréal Colour Trophy is the longest running live hairdressing competition, which showcases some of the best hairdressing talents across the country.

Yasmine Byfield, who is studying a Level 3 Hairdressing Apprenticeship, applied for the competition through her employer at Sassy’s Hair Salon in Wolverhampton.

“This competition is something that the salon has done for years,” said Yasmine, “As I had gained enough confidence and experience in the industry, I asked to be put forward.”

Entrants were required to create a look inspired by current trends, featuring a colour that has not been used before and could be a trend in the near future.

Yasmine had only 30 minutes to style her model’s hair, which was presented at the competition’s catwalk show in front of an expert panel of judges.

“They based their final decision on the overall look of the model, with the main focus being on her hair,” she added.

“The competition was split into eight regions around the country, and they selected the top 10 to win ‘Best in Region’. Then from this group, only two were selected to go through to the finals.”

The final of the competition will take place at the L’Oreal Academy in London, where Yasmine will showcase the talents she had developed through her apprenticeship in front of the competition organisers.

“My apprenticeship has brought out a confidence in me that I didn’t realise I had. I’ve learned a lot from working full time in a salon, and I don’t think my degree of understanding would be the same if I had studied in a different way.

I have a talented, supportive team around me at work and through college that have taught me and encouraged me along the way and continue to do so every day.”

Yasmine hopes to specialise in creative colour and train in other areas of hairdressing.

“This apprenticeship has made my career aims more achievable, as I have learned so much and have had many opportunities, such as entering this competition. One day, I’d like to have my own salon, but for now, I really enjoy what I’m doing and building up my clients.”