The Academy rocks!

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th June 2007


The Academy rocks!

Following the success of recent rock shows at The Academy Basingstoke with bands such as “Never The Bride” who will perform at Glastonbury this year, a further rock concert, albeit a lighter middle-of-the-road style of music, is being held on Saturday 14th July 2007 at the Worting Road live music venue.

The “Sock Monkeys” are a 5-piece band of experienced musicians who got together because they love playing great rock music, past and present. They have evolved over the last couple of years into a tight, professional-sounding unit covering a range of classic and contemporary rock and pop songs with the energy of the originals, and something of their own passion thrown in!

Their support band are “Stealers Bluff” and the show starts at 8pm with DJ Ivan Axford taking the night through to 2am with his ever-popular disco and customer requests. Admission is £3 on the door, over 18’s only.

Full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Further details of the Sock Monkeys can be found on-line at http://www.thesockmonkeys.co.uk/ - they are on stage 10.45/11pm. Stealers Bluff www.myspace.com/stealersbluff are on stage from 9pm to 10.15pm





Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

US country music star Lisa O'Kane launches CD in Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th June 2007


US country music star Lisa O'Kane launches CD in Basingstoke


Los Angeles-based recording artist Lisa O’Kane, has dubbed her sixth tour of Britain the "Heart On My Sleeve Tour" and The Academy in Worting Road Basingstoke is not only a venue on the Tour but is hosting Lisa’s official launch party for her brand new CD, IT DON’T HURT.

A soul-baring reflection packed with powerful emotions, the disc is not for the faint of heart as the album’s songs address some very real, very deep feelings. “My fans know that I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve,” says Lisa. “It’s been a year of change for me and thus the name of this tour.”

IT DON’T HURT will make its debut at The Academy on July 21 during a special CD-launch bash, a full 10 days before its “official” street date. The Roots/Americana diva can rely on her loyal U.K. fans to fill the venue, as those fans have followed her since the 2002 release of her debut CD, AM I TOO BLUE, and the 2005 issue, PEACE OF MIND.

Lisa’s 15-day itinerary encompasses 11 performances and includes an interview/acoustic performance with BBC Radio 2 host Bob Harris which is scheduled for broadcast August 2.

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “Lisa is an amazing performer. Her “Peace of Mind” album has been a permanent part of my in-car CD collection ever since I first heard it a year ago. It is so powerful and we are so excited that we have managed to persuade Lisa to not only perform in Basingstoke but to allow us to host the official launch party for her new CD.”

“She’ll be travelling with a cracking band that includes fellow American Kenny Edwards (Karla Bonoff, Stone Poneys) on acoustic guitar, mandolin and background vocals. Joining them are Brits Steve Curtis of Brentwood, Essex (recording artist and 2004 finalist in Guitarist Magazine’s Acoustic Guitar Competition) who plugs it in and goes electric for Lisa; Andy Peek of Shoeburyness (The Directors, Tony McPhee’s Groundhogs) manning the drums and percussion, and rounding things out on bass guitar is Nevil Kiddier of Chelmsford (Glyder, The Pinkees, No Idea).” John added.

“For those who would like to find out more about Lisa, it is well worth a visit to her website at www.myspace.com/lisaokane “

The show starts at 8pm with country music radio and television presenter, Lee Williams, playing old favourites and the latest releases across the whole spectrum of country music and taking the night through to 2am with audience requests.

Admission is £10 on the door, over 18’s only; doors open at 7.30pm. Advance booking is advised and tickets are now available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ where full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).


Schedule your interview now by contacting martha@somuchmoore.com .




Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

UK faces devastating migration legacy of Tony Blair

I voted Labour back in the 1997 General Elections for the first time in my life and it was because I was so impressed with Tony Blair.

He was full of enthusiasm and energy, he had vision and he looked and sounded like a Prime Minister should. Tony Blair was the man of our times.

So how does it feel ten years on as Prime Minister Blair spends his last few days in Downing Street and travelling the globe saying farewell to the world’s leaders? Of course, he has made mistakes and had his fair share of successes but will history be kind to him?

At the moment people are focussing on Iraq as his biggest legacy. Of course, as our soldiers and UK civilians die on Iraqi soil, it is a common topic of conversation and in the news. In general, it is not favourable towards the Prime Minister or President Bush. The topic has been discussed at such length that it will serve much purpose in doing it to death here; suffice to say that only time will tell how that part of world history unfolds and enable future generations to judge the decisions made.

How do I feel here and now? I want to believe that U.S. and UK deaths have not been in vain. I want history to judge Tony Blair kindly. But, I fear that the ends have not justified the means and that it was a huge mistake. Time only will tell.

But I fear that the huge legacy left by Tony Blair’s term in office is not yet part of the public’s consciousness. I think that the biggest mistake he and his government made was to abandon common sense for socialist idealism when they deliberately under-estimated the huge numbers of immigrants who would pour into the UK from Eastern Europe.

This morning, I was shopping in town. My local newsagent put up a poster for me for one of my events and commented on some advertising postcards, offering rooms and lodgings, he was displaying. He told me that, until recently, an en-suite room in a nice house was costing people £50 a week. Since my home town of Basingstoke was “invaded” by Polish and other Eastern European migrants, they have now shot up to around £100 a week. This is leaving local people either unable to find or unable to afford their own accommodation.

In the shop was a sales representative. He told us that he had been to a city recently to visit a corner shop but found two men blocking the road. These Eastern Europeans came to his car and asked where he was going; he explained that he was visiting the local shop but they said this was not permitted as the shop only bought items “suitable for the local population”. He was turned away so rang the shop owner only to be told that the area was saturated with foreigners who were dictating what he sold and who he bought supplies from. He dare not buy from anywhere else as he would have no trade.

He reported this to his head office who investigated. They found that there are some 20,000 Eastern Europeans in that city and there are “no go” areas for English people. They have swamped some areas and made them into some form of ghetto.

This reminded me that I was contemplating running a monthly Polish night to enable the local Polish community to get together. On informal advice from local officials I abandoned the idea; their concerns were that gangs of Polish workers have already been banned from town centre bars because of their violent actions.

My local authority licenses taxi drivers and have recently had to introduce English tests because of the complaints from passengers who have had to deal with drivers, to be fair not just Eastern Europeans, who were unable to operate effectively due to an inability to communicate in English.

These issues are causing ordinary local people to complain quietly to one another as it is part of our English culture to not complain too loudly unless provoked. I believe that the migration issue will provoke common folk to complain loudly and, quite probably, to react violently in the medium to long term.

My fear is that cultural unrest is going to be Tony Blair’s lasting legacy and that his idealism will have caused future generations to face a difficult and violent future. It raises all sorts of concerns for businesses and communities and I am not sure what the future holds for us.


This article first appeared as a blog on the My Telegraph website (UK) - June 2007

EAST 17 stay another day in Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th June 2007


EAST 17 stay another day in Basingstoke

The Academy Basingstoke has announced the latest addition to their “Original Artistes” programme with EAST 17 performing on Saturday 28th July 2007 at the Worting Road live music venue.

Back in 1991, four friends from Walthamstow, London E17 got together to make music and soon came to the notice of manager Tom Watkins who had already had success with Bros and the Pet Shop Boys.

Taking their name from the area of London in which they lived, EAST 17 was born and in August of 1992 their first single “House of Love” was released and went straight into the Top Ten.

From then on, a succession of 17 other singles and 6 albums followed including the million selling single “Stay Another Day” which hit the Christmas number one spot in 1994 and stayed in the charts for 16 weeks.

The band went from strength to strength with arena tours around the world and even sold more records than Take That outside of the UK.

Tony left the band in 1997 but Brian, Terry and John continued to release songs and still perform around the world to this day.

Brian has kept the profile up by appearing on TV shows like “I’m a Celebrity” in 2004 and had a much publicised car accident in 2005 that nearly took his life.

2007 will be the bands 15th year so they will be performing a greatest hits show throughout the UK, including The Academy Basingstoke, and are even looking at releasing new material to their army of adoring fans who, although a little older, have not lost any of their passion.

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “I worked with EAST 17 during their heyday and have fond memories of delighted audiences enjoying a terrific night out. I am delighted to have this opportunity to not only bring the guys back to Basingstoke but also to introduce them to a new generation of music lovers.”

Their support act is yet to be announced but the show starts at 8pm with DJ Danny D. taking the night through to 2am with his ever-popular disco and customer requests.

Admission is £15 on the door, over 18’s only; doors open at 7.30pm. Advance booking is advised and tickets are now available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ where full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).




Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Nuts Magazine Pub Pool Challenge 2007 cancellation

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Rock extravaganza in Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
15th May 2007


Rock extravaganza in Basingstoke

The Academy live music venue in Basingstoke is hosting a rock extravanganza on Saturday 15th June.

The headline act is Aldershot-based “Vibracore”, an intense four-piece rock band that plays its own brand of swaggering, hard-edged, funked-up, psychedelic, voodoo-blues sleaze.

Their debut album, ‘The Emerald Sessions’ was released to universal acclaim. Simon Bradley of Guitarist magazine said of the album “…forty-a-day vocals from Daniel Card and excellent six string flashes from beardy guitarist John Moline all add up to a totally English experience. ‘Seen the Light’ has a great groove as well as an awesome phat Strat tone.”

The Venue magazine’s Dave Trott said, “In Vibracore’s world a Texas blues riff becomes a rocking mantra as ‘Hard Work, Worry and Pain’ takes a stretch and takes its time to show you what it can do. They juggle (successfully) with Rock, Blues, Soul and Funk… but the main deal is that they are themselves. If I had heard them when I was 14 it would have become a pivotal moment. Is the youth of today safe?”

By gigging extensively and playing at major London venues including three headline shows at the Mean Fiddler, London, Vibracore have forged a reputation as a great live act. Comparisons with Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Foo Fighters are not without merit. The band is currently recording their second album due for release late 2007.

Vibracore’s website is www.myspace.com/vibracoreuk

The support act is south west rock gods “APE” from St Austell in Cornwall whose unique brand of rock music is rapidly bringing their talents to the attention of the music world. Ape’s website is: www.apemusic.net

Full details of this event and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the popular Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly.

Tickets priced £2.50 will be available on the door.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh . All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Neville Staple formerly of “The Specials” announces Basingstoke live show

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
15th May 2007


Neville Staple formerly of “The Specials” announces Basingstoke live show

The Academy family entertainment centre in Basingstoke is featuring pop legend Neville Staple and his band live on stage on Saturday 20th October 2007 for what is likely to be a sell-out concert.

Best known for his work writing & composing, the lead singer from The Specials, and as one of the founding members of Fun Boy 3, Neville Staple is credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice.

Neville's biography and past projects read like a who's who of rock. He has worked with such legends as Elvis Costello (“The Specials” 1979 – Chrysalis Records), David Byrne (Fun Boy 3 “Waiting” 1983 – Chrysalis Records), and Ali Campbell (“Today's Specials” 1996 - Kuff Records/Virgin), to name only a few.

His talents are found on the unique tribute album, “Searching For Jimi Hendrix” (1999 - Capitol Records) a project that Neville is personally quite proud of. In addition to having recorded with some of rock's most famous, he has also shared the stage with such icons as Ranking Roger (English Beat) forming Special Beat. Although this line-up never actually recorded an album they successfully toured the U.S. with Sting and Steel Pulse, which ultimately lead up to their own headline tour.

Some of Neville's recent projects and collaborations include hooking up with Roger Lomas, in Coventry, to record “Skinhead Girl” and “Conquering Ruler” for Trojan Records, and co-producing with John Avila (Oingo Boingo) “The Best of The Specials & Fun Boy 3” performed for Cleopatra Records in Los Angeles, CA.

In America, Neville was also in the studio with Unwritten Law recording on tracks for their release, “ELVA” for Interscope Records. Desorden Publico the Venezuelan ska band met up with Neville in Miami in 2000, to record the track, “Black Market Man” on their album “El Diablo – Guerra Sound Rounds 2000” (Venezuela). The band has also released this song as a video and is found in heavy rotation on MTV Espanol. You’ll find some of Neville’s newest solo work on VANS, “Off the Wall Volume IV” compilation CD. In 2002, released on Cleopatra Records “Special Ska Au Go Go”, the CD features Neville’s own original tracks with some old skool songs in the mix.Since 1998 Neville has been on a mission to entertain, successfully touring Japan, South America and extensively touring North America with his own band. Above all he is a performer. It is worth seeing Neville’s live performance; his captivating stage presence and distinct voice are well worth it. Catch his show these days, and you’ll get a mix of old favourites plus loads of his brand new original solo material.

Before the 20th October gig in Basingstoke, Neville’s busy schedule takes him on a series of US tours, Canada and, unremarkably for someone of this level of talent, Glastonbury.

Full details of this and other original artists appearing in 2007 at the popular Academy live music venue, alongside their popular tribute band shows, are available on the venue’s website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) which is updated regularly. Tickets will be on sale via the website soon and are expected to be in heavy demand.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Further details of Neville Staple can be found at http://www.blogger.com/www.nevillestaple.co.uk




Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Youth boxing development in north Hampshire given a boost

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
10th May 2007.



Youth boxing development in north Hampshire given a boost

Basingstoke Boxers are all hoping to be matched for the Open Show to be held at The Academy snooker & pool hall, sports bar and live music venue on Worting Road on the evening of Saturday 26th May.

Due to the success of the boxing hosted at Carnival Hall it was decided that a second show would be hosted before the end of the Season for 2006/2007.

This is a charity fundraiser to support youth boxing development in north Hampshire and the club has been well supported by local businesses placing advertisements in the show programme.

Young local talent will be on show for a series of challenging bouts.

Stuart Third has been boxing for Basingstoke ABC over the past 3 or 4 years. As a senior, he entered the novice championships this season but, unfortunately, was defeated. Stuart is lucky this year to have gained individual sponsorship by W. S. C. Scaffolding of Basingstoke.

James McIntosh, also a senior, manages to fit his boxing into a very busy schedule. James plays football for Thatcham; he also coaches and plays tennis for Totally Tennis in Basingstoke.

Grant Neale (15), grandson of Charlie Neale who founded Basingstoke ABC, has had his first time at championship level travelling to Liverpool for the Golden Belt Championships, where he was defeated by the champion for 2006/2007.

Archie Hutchins who has been boxing for two seasons now, was also unlucky in the Golden Gloves, travelling to Stoke-on-Trent to be stopped in the second round. Since then Archie has bounced back winning 3/3, also managing a second round stoppage in Portsmouth.

Joey Clarke, a promising junior, is looking forward to boxing on home ground. Joey travelled to East Ham in London, where he fought a more experienced boxer for a skills round and demonstrated good endurance and great courage.

Xander Stagg made his debut performance at Carnival Hall in Basingstoke back in October 2006. He attends Costello Technology College and hopes to become a Doctor when he’s older. Xander also plays football for Down Grange under 12’s which won the league this year.

Special guest on the evening will be local boxer Jon Honney, recently crowned Southern Area Light-welterweight Champion.

Advance tickets (£10) are available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/; contacting The Academy, telephone 01256 327273. Anyone wanting further information or to reserve tickets on the door can do so by calling 0784 0947864.

Under 16’s can attend this event. Tickets priced £5 are available on the door or by calling 0784 0947864. There will be a dedicated soft drinks bar for under-18’s.



ENDS


Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh . All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Photo: Contender Stuart Third



Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
http://uk.f867.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Keywords: Basingstoke ABC, The Academy Basingstoke, Boxing, Headline Promotions

Pop, Rock, Blues & R’N’B Extravaganza hits Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
May 7th 2007.


Pop, Rock, Blues & R’N’B Extravaganza hits Basingstoke

This coming weekend, 11th & 12th of May, upcoming rock bands “No Sax Please” and “Fat Chance” appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke as part of the Worting Road venue’s innovative live music programme.

Following last weekend’s sell out tribute to Bon Jovi, local 60’s/70’s covers band, “Phoenix” (http://www.freewebs.com/phoenixrock) will perform on Friday evening in a show starting at 8pm and going on to 2am, supported by popular local DJ team “Diamond Disco”. Tickets are priced at a modest £2.50 on the door.

On Saturday 12th, 'No Sax Please' a pop/rock/r'n'b 4 piece covers band with a female vocalist will entertain with 'Fat Chance', who describe themselves as “a blues/r'n'b with a sprinkling of rock 5 piece band”, will perform live on stage. Ticket prices are, again, modest at £2.50 before 9pm and £4.50 after.

These shows will surely appeal to all ages and all generations (but admission is for over 18’s only).

Full details are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Sport Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).




Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Photo: Basingstoke band "Phoenix"

Modern Romance in Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
May 7th 2007.


Modern Romance in Basingstoke

1980’s pop legends “Modern Romance” appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on Saturday 2nd June to bring their special brand of music to a new generation as well as to fans from across the decades.

When the band first exploded into the charts in the summer of 1981 with their infectious rhythms and tailored glamour, you could be forgiven for thinking they were an overnight success.

In fact, the roots of the group could be traced far back to the mid ‘70s when “The Leyton Buzzards” began life in 1976 as a college band consisting of long time friends Geoffrey Deane (vocals), David Jaymes (bass), Kevin Steptoe (drums) and Dave Monk (guitar). After building up a considerable following on the London pub circuit, the group signed a small record deal with an independent label, and in 1978, released their debut single, “19 & Mad”. Both the record, and success in a music competition backed by Radio One, attracted the attention of the majors and the band signed a deal with Chrysalis soon after. The result was a minor hit in 1979 with “Saturday Night Beneath The Plastic Palm Trees” and an album “From Jellied Eels To Record Deals”. Further singles for Chrysalis failed to capitalise on the initial flush of success, and in 1980 the band changed their name to The Buzzards, signing a new deal with Warner Brothers in the process.

A cover of the Andy Williams’ “Can’t Get Used To Losing You” proved a commercial failure and The Buzzards subsequently disbanded, but Geoffrey Deane and David Jaymes remained with Warner and began developing a new sound and a new brand that was to become Modern Romance.

The pair were accompanied on this new journey by a versatile collective of musicians; John Du Prez (trumpet), Robbie Jaymes (keyboards), Paul Gendler (guitar) and Andy Kyriacou, whose drums and percussion became the backbone of the Modern Romance sound.

Success for the new group didn’t come immediately, but it would have been hard for the public not to have seized upon the fusion of faux-disco and big band that was “Everybody Salsa”. Entering the charts at number 71, the song quickly took hold and within a month was sitting comfortably in the top 20, eventually peaking at a respectable number 12. Follow-up “Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey” went two better and landed in the top 10, remaining in the charts over the festive period and no doubt graced the turntable of many an office party.

January ‘82 witnessed the release of the wondrous “Queen Of The Rapping Scene (Nothing Goes The Way You Plan)”, which featured Bev Sage of the Techno Twins on guest vocal. A hugely memorable appearance on BBC Top Of The Pops helped the record become their third top 40 hit in less than six months.

Debut album, “Adventures In Clubland”, surprisingly failed to register on the UK charts, although it did perform extremely well across Europe and made Gold in Latin America with number one rankings in several countries. It also proved successful in the USA where “Can You Move” had become a significant dance chart hit.

Two more singles followed in quick succession. First up, the lush “By The Way (I’m Still In Love With You)”, which appeared on the 2006 Warner’s Platinum Compilation on a Modern Romance album for the first time. Follow-up “Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White” proved perfect for the UK summer market and sizzled its way up the charts, giving the group another top 20 hit.

In late 1982 Geoffrey Deane quit the group to pursue a solo career, leaving the way for Michael J. Mullins to be promoted from a supporting role on the sidelines to be the bands new lead singer. His arrival signalled a dramatic move towards a more pop oriented sound, clearly evident on the perennial hit, “Best Years Of Our Lives” (as featured more recently on the soundtrack of the movie “SHREK”). This upbeat anthem rocketed to number 4 in the charts over Christmas 1982, and was even supported by a special Yuletide remix.

The new look Modern Romance had a blistering year in 1983, racking up three more major hit singles. “High Life” and “Don’t Stop That Crazy Rhythm” both retained the party feel of their earlier hits, whilst “Walking In The Rain”, a beautiful ballad, showed the group in a new light previously unseen on earlier recordings. These tracks appeared on the chart album “Trick Of The Light”, alongside standouts “Lets Go”, “She’s So Fine” and “After All This Time”.

A career retrospective in late ‘83, aptly titled “Party Tonight”, gave the group another chart album and included their final single for Warner, “Good Friday”. This album also included a brilliant interpretation of the Motown classic “Just My Imagination”, which demonstrated the versatility of this great band.

During these years the band had massive hits around the world and undertook a number of sell-out tours including a massive concert in Tokyo.

In 1984 the group signed a new record deal with RCA and released their final album, “Burn It!” Subsequent singles, including the memorable “That’s What Friends Are For” made little impression on the UK charts and Modern Romance finally signed off in 1985 with a cover of the Baltimora hit “Tarzan Boy”. The beat wasn’t quite ready to quit however and drummer Andy Kyriacou resurrected the group in 2001.

A tour in 2007 is currently underway to coincide with a new album and kicks off with a show at The Academy Basingstoke (http://www.academyclubs.com/) on Saturday 2nd June. The band will perform as an acoustic set to reflect the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the venue.

The show brings together the very finest moments from the group’s career. Twenty five years after “Everybody Salsa” first sashayed its way into the charts, this is your chance to remember why that crazy rhythm still cannot be beat!

And if you belong to a newer generation, then see the people perform songs you hear on the dance floor today and appreciate that the music was created back in the 1980’s.

Full details are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Sport Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Further details of Modern Romance can be found at http://www.modernromance.com/



Media enquiries and interview requests with Mr Kyriacou to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

PHOTO: Andy Kyriacou (left) with John Hicks on Andy's recent visit to The Academy Basingstoke

Modern Romance - discography

Modern Romance - 80's mega band

In answer to a number of questions about the band's discography, I am pleased to list some of their highlights!

Discography – Listing of Territories & Hits

Worldwide - 2001 "Best Years of our Lives" features in the movie "SHREK"

Venezuela No.1 album (gold) ("Adventures in Clubland")

UK – Gold Album – Party Tonight

UK - 8 Top Twenty hits

UK - 2 Top 40 albums

UK - 2006 Warner Bros released a Platinum Album compilation CD

New York Award for Best New Dance Track ("Can You Move")

Thailand No.1 Single (Walking In The rain") Album (Unknown Position)

Spain Various hits Album (Unknown Position, but very high - major tv appearances)

Italy Various hits Album (Unknown Position, but very high - major tv appearances)

Germany Various hits Album (Unknown Position)

Holland Various hits Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)

Sweden Various hits Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)

Belgium Various hits Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)

Norway Various hits Album (Unknown Position - major tv appearances)

Cyprus Various hits Album (Unknown Position)

Greece Various hits Album (Unknown Position)

Also other territories, but research on sales/position etc is in progress. All of the above European countries visited repeatedly during 3 tours of Europe. Also, the Far East was visited at a time when the band were No. 1 in Thailand, and a video of the live show was recorded in Japan, where the band also had a huge following. The video was released as Modern Romance - "Live in Tokyo".

I am looking forward to renewing old acquaintances with the band when they appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on 2nd June 2007. I hope to see you there! I first saw them perform live on stage at Butlins in Bognor Regis and they had the audience eating out of their hand - we had a fantastic night and I remain an avid fan to this day. During that time, of course, Headline Promotions Press & PR were given the honour of handling the UK and European media relations for the band and it's lead singer - Andy Kyriacou.

John

Pool opened up to young people at The Academy

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
March 7th, 2007


Pool opened up to young people at The Academy

Young people of all skills levels and who are interested in the sport of pool are being invited to a special open day at The Academy in Basingstoke on Bank Holiday Monday, 9th April from 2pm – 6pm.

For those who have little or no experience of the game, enjoyed nationally by around 9 million people of all ages every week, there will be some introductory lessons.

Where the youngsters have some skills and would like some coaching, there is a Youth Pool Master Class with former World Champion and England player, Michael Piper, and the current World Ladies Blackball Champion, Amanda Watson. Michael was recently awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Mayor Basingstoke & Deane for his contribution to sport in the Borough in recognition of his coaching of the sport locally.

At the end of the afternoon, there will be a knockout tournament with the winners and runners-up being awarded cups by Rob Hall, current County under-18’s captain and former County under-18’s champion. Rob, a member of staff at The Academy, is attending to scout for new County players so there is a chance for Basingstoke youngsters to progress further in the sport.

The sessions are for 9 – 16 year olds and are free of charge but places must be pre-booked by calling into the Worting Road pool & snooker hall, sports bar, restaurant and live music venue in person prior to the day. It is first-come first-served.

Full details of this and forthcoming sports and live-music events, and on-line ticket sales, are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning Andrea Hicks, Deputy General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.



ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Pictured: Former World Pool Champion and England Team Player, Michael Piper



Media enquiries to: John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Pool players go NUTS at The Academy

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Congratulations to Jon Honney

Congratulations to our friend, and client, Jon Honney in securing the Southern Area Lightweight Championship belt in his hard-won title fight. This is long overdue and look forward to his eventual World Title Belt.

Jon Honney can be e-mailed at jon@jonhonney.co.uk

www.jonhonney.co.uk

The relevance of the Internet to Small Exporters in Uganda

The relevance of the Internet to Small Exporters in Uganda
By John Hicks
UK Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Exporters seeking information or business contacts in their overseas markets may find it a difficult and time-consuming challenge.

The Internet is an invaluable tool for both finding businesses potentially interested in alliances, distribution or purchasing products - and in communicating with them to build and maintain necessary relationships.

An observer of the growth of the Internet in its earlier days prophetically noted: "The Internet, like television and the print media, is yet another resource developed in the emerging new media to promote products and/or services. The similarities end there. The Internet also adds the ability to communicate quickly, and with less cost. It also allows firms with a need for information to find it quickly and easily. The Internet can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your business internationally".

Exporting, even that accomplished with the assistance of the Internet, still follows the same basic rules. Before the Internet was a greatly important factor in export marketing, several areas were identified as critical to success in exporting.

One such factor was businesses’ ignorance of foreign laws and customs, either of which can negatively affect potential success in any foreign market.

Other factors identified in various studies of successful export marketers included developing and strengthening competitive advantage within target markets.

Maintaining an efficient distribution network and marketing techniques were a top priority after a firm is in the export markets.

Government assistance in locating and developing relationships with companies in foreign markets was generally seen to be essential but goldmine of information now available on the Internet means that we are all less-dependant than we were.

In the early part of my career, physical travel to potential markets was seen to be absolutely critical in developing the export markets, but at a huge cost. The first innovation to help us was cheaper flights but, with the advent of the Internet, even that travel is not so critical an issue now, allowing many more small businesses to enter export markets than when extensive (and expensive) international travel was required.

The object of much of that formerly-required foreign travel often was the seeking-out of both governmental and private-sector sources that could supply us with information on regulations, market research expertise and introduction to firms likely to be interested in acting as distributors or retailers of the firm’s goods or services. Sources such as local chambers of commerce, trade associations and governmental data on specific industry and commodity sectors have been available for years, but generally only through individual subscriptions or libraries.

Several years ago, there was great hope for the possibilities of direct Internet commerce. With only relatively few exceptions, success in direct sales over the Internet has been elusive for most not involved with business-to-business transactions. However, the Internet does provide a wealth of information applicable to more standard methods of achieving "international" status and should be considered an integral part of establishing and maintaining relationships with foreign distributors and retailers.

What is critical to export success, I suggest, is the ability to create websites to market your products, give credibility to your business and make it easier for customers and potential customers to locate you and communicate with you. Your website can be as grand or as simple as you wish; it will largely be determined by your budget but remember that you can, with a little time and thought, create your own at little or no cost. If you want a quality site then it will cost and you need to see the work of several consultants before you settle with one to create your site.

The advent of new technological advances, such as the video sharing sites such as YouTube, gives you access to a new generation of web users to help develop your brand but you will need to get the basics of your Internet marketing strategy right first before you venture into these arena.

What is available to you immediately, and at no cost, is the ability to create blog sites. A blog was originally a web-based diary (web log). I have been experimenting with my occasional marketing and public relations blog with articles for small business at www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com and have attracted a large number of visitors. It costs nothing to create, except your time, but it offers you an immediate free showcase and public relations tool. As long as you include the promotion of your blog site address in your marketing strategy then this will be an invaluable tool for you.

I hope these brief thoughts are useful but I would welcome your feedback and suggestions for any future articles on the European perspective of marketing for export.

John Hicks, is Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR based in Basingstoke in the south of England. With many years experience in marketing, business promotion and Public Relations (including time spent working with the UK Manufacturing Advisory Service for the South East and Engineering Employers’ Federation South Region), John specialises in the manufacturing sector and leisure industry. He is also a contributor to a number of UK and US journals.

John is always happy to give free informal advice by e-mail; contact him by e-mail at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk – please mention this Newsletter. You can read his occasional marketing and public relations blog with articles for small business at www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

This article was written for the Ugandan Export Advisory Agency newsletter - February 2007

Appeal for help from UK citizens worldwide to support occupied Cyprus

Appeal for help from UK citizens worldwide to support occupied Cyprus


British citizens in the UK, and expatriates abroad, are being urged to sign an on-line petition, addressed directly to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, asking that there be no direct flights to occupied Cyprus.

Its’ promoters insist that the supporters of the Turkish occupation regime have deceived 6000 people into signing an on-line petition in support of direct flights to occupied Cyprus and that this must be countered.

The Turkish invasion of Cyprus, referred to by euphemism as the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation by Turkey was the heavily condemned military action against the independent, sovereign, island nation of Cyprus by Turkey that resulted in the partition of the Republic of Cyprus.

Turkey argues that it was a consequence of tensions between the Junta in Greece and Turkey, and of internal unrest within Greece. It took place during the final months of the Greek military junta of 1967-1974, at which time Greek Army officers stationed in Cyprus launched a coup d'état against the President of Cyprus, Makarios III.

Turkey's position was that such action was allowed under the provisions of the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. The Treaty provided that Greece, Turkey and United Kingdom would ensure the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey, taking advantage of political unrest in Greece that expanded to Cyprus, announced that the invasion was a peace-keeping operation to restore the constitutional order in Cyprus.

Turkey, however, invaded Cyprus in two waves on the 20 July and 14 August and still occupies 37% of the island despite UN Security Council Resolutions. After the first wave of the invasion the constitutional order had been restored Makarios III returned to power, the Junta in Greece collapsed but the Turkish military continued with the second wave.

The result of the invasion was the creation of an internationally unrecognized Turkish Cypriot breakaway state in the areas under Turkish occupation and the displacement of 210,000 ethnic Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Today, although Turkish Cypriots have full free movement rights throughout the island as citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots have not been permitted to return permanently to the Turkish-occupied north.

You must be a British national or residing in the UK in order to sign on-line at: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/occupied-cyprus/

The text of the petition to Mr Blair says:
We the undersigned, petition the Prime Minister to act in accordance with Britain's treaty obligations with the Republic of Cyprus and to take decisive action to prevent direct trade and direct flights between Britain and Turkish occupied Cyprus and to prevent the illegal sale and advertising of Greek Cypriot property to British nationals.

According to the Treaty of Guarantee, Britain, Greece and Turkey undertook "to prohibit, as far as lies within their power, all activity having the object of promoting directly or indirectly either the union of the Republic of Cyprus with any other State, or the partition of the Island."

The promoters of the petition, which is part of a UK government project to make it easier for groups to petition through the Internet, remind the public that the 1974 Turkey invasion of Cyprus was illegal.

UN Security Council resolutions 541(1983) and 550(1984) declare the self-proclaimed "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" "legally invalid" and call upon all states not to assist this illegal secessionist entity in any way.

All ports and airports in occupied Cyprus have been declared illegal points of entry and closed to all traffic and trade by the Cyprus government. Civilian flights to any airport inoccupied Cyprus violate the Chicago Convention.

Watch this space!


This article was syndicated by The American Chronicle series: February 2007

Hal Ketchum on stage in Basingstoke

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
4th February 2007


US country music recording star on stage in Basingstoke

Country music star Hal Ketchum’s show, live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke on Wednesday 14th March, is looking like a complete sell-out show.

The event, in association with the new country music radio station across Europe, CMR Nashville Radio at http://www.cmrnashville.net/, features Hal Ketchum and his American Band supported by leading Irish band, Brendan Quinn and his band.

Hal Ketchum... poet... songwriter... painter... carpenter... singer... actor... author... a true modern day artisan. Born in New York, Hal was introduced to music as a child by his musical parents. He was the sought-after drummer in high school band circles. He made his way to Texas in the early eighties where he made his mark with future pals Lyle Lovett, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Willie Nelson, and Asleep at the Wheel, among others. It was a hot bed for these young talents and they were making history.

Hal landed his record deal with Curb Records in Los Angeles in the early 90's and his first single off his first record went straight to number one scoring Hal his first Gold record. The song of course is his now famous, "Small Town Saturday Night."

Since then, Ketchum has had 15 top ten hits, countless songwriting awards, and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Hal's release, Lucky Man, scored the top 40 hit, “She Is”, written for his muse, Gina. Hal and Gina were married on Valentines Day 1998 and have three children, Fani, Ruby and Sophie. The couple have finished their children's picture book and have signed on with a literary agent in New York.

"The King Of Love" was released in the UK to an overwhelming positive response. On this project Hal has produced his own music for the first time. "It's an exciting time for me," says Ketchum. "I'm enjoying my life, my work and my art more than ever."

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “Securing the opportunity for Basingstoke to host this show was an amazing coup. We released the tickets on the on-line shop on our website on the Sunday lunchtime and a substantial number had been purchased by that evening. People are amazed that we only charged £21.50 when venues normally command £30 or more but my intention is to widen access to as many people in the region as I can.”

“We have the internationally acclaimed Red Sox band booked for April but that is already a sell-out performance and no tickets are now available. My best guess is that Hal’s only date in the south of England this year, here at The Academy, will all be sold out soon” added John.

The Academy in Worting Road already hosts a weekly Country Music Night every Friday evening. The DJ is country radio & TV presenter Lee Williams who established the original CMR Nashville radio station in the US with leading country personality Ted Randall.

CMR Nashville is broadcasting online from its various studios in Nashville, London, Greece, Ireland and Australia. Now, a new studio is being constructed at The Academy in the style of a coffee lounge so that guests on the show can be interviewed in the relaxed atmosphere of Basingstoke’s premier family entertainment venue. Shows will be recorded in this new studio and customers of The Academy will be able to see what is going on. Their new lunchtime show will go out live from The Academy on weekdays and record labels will be encouraged to bring new artists down to the venue to be broadcast live on air.

Why Basingstoke Academy? As Lee Williams explained: “The venue’s claim to be the regional home of country music has some credibility. With acts like Henry Smith’s Country Dreams and The Man In Black tribute to the late great, Johnny Cash. I am particularly delighted that The Academy has signed the legendary George Hamilton IV appearing in September, I do not know of any venue like it. CMR Nashville are proud to be associated with The Academy and will do all it can to support them. This will be an exciting year for country music in the south of England and The Academy will be at the very heart of it especially as they now host monthly singer/songwriter workshops with the very best of the UK and US country music talent.”

Full details of forthcoming events, and on-line ticket sales, are available on The Academy website (http://www.academyclubs.com/) or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).


Further details of CMR Nashville Radio can be found at http://www.cmrnashville.net/ or contact Lee Williams 07956 888587 lee@cmrnashville.net







Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Elvis supports local Breast Cancer unit

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
27th January 2007


Elvis supports local Breast Cancer unit!

A leading US performer, Jack Smink who takes his Elvis tribute show to major venues in the States, is breaking into his holiday in the UK this weekend to help The Academy Basingstoke raise money for the North Hampshire Hospital’s breast cancer unit.

General Manager of The Academy, John Hicks, explained: “Jack Smink is highly regarded in the US for his outstanding stage shows which delight Elvis fans and bringing Elvis to a new generation of music lovers. He is on holiday this week and kindly agreed to support our fundraising efforts to support the Basingstoke Breast Cancer Care Group in their amazing project to purchase new equipment at the Hospital.”

“I have seen Jack live on stage and he is brilliant. But, if further proof were needed, I have just received an e-mail from a former Basingstoke resident now living in the US.” John added. Former Abbey Road residents, Bev and Dave Moore, have been to see Jack at the Stage Door in Kissimmee and e-mailed to say that he is very talented, has a great sense of humour and well worth the admission price!

Full details of Jack are available on his website at www.lstproductions.com along with a photo of him with one of his greatest fans, Jimmy Saville.

The venue has already raised over £3,000 for the Breast Cancer unit and, with a charity auction on the evening, hosted by local radio presenter Mark Watson from Kestrel FM, they hope to raise even more!

The Academy in Worting Road is Basingstoke’s only 24 hours, 7 days a week, Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball Hall and live music venue. The doors open at 7pm and goes on until 2am with live DJ entertainment from special guest DJ Danny D who set a new Guinness World Record for the longest live dee-jay performance last November at The Academy.

Advance tickets (£6) and restaurant bookings are available by contacting The Academy, telephone 01256 327273; admission is restricted to over 18’s. Further details and the on-line ticket shop are available on the Academy website (www.academyclubs.com).

As John explained: “This is a major coup for The Academy and for North Hampshire. We are already selling tickets to people from across the region and beyond. It is good for the town to host major events such as this. Tickets are selling like hot cakes so if you want some then do not delay!”


ENDS


Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh . All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Further details of Jack are available at: www.lstproductions.com

Tickets are available on-line at www.academyclubs.com



Media enquiries to:
John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Reflections on life in the UK in 2006

Reflections on life in the UK in 2006

I recently wrote an article on the PR disasters in the UK in 2006 which prompted me to reflect on how 2006 affected the UK population generally.

Several things occurred to me as key issues: the ongoing saga of the war in Iraq, Muslim terrorists in our midst, water shortages and the unwelcome invasion by Poland. Here is a brief reflection of those issues – I will keep if short because otherwise it might be seen as some rant by a deranged left-winger, which I certainly am not!

Let me start by underlining what an amazing place the UK is to live and work. But, our tolerant and genuinely welcoming nature has been taken advantage of.

Our politicians took us into a war in Iraq largely to support our American cousins. The talk of weapons of mass destruction was a smokescreen for securing oil long term so as to stabilise the global economy; but there is even a case to make for that it was just that lying is not our way of life.

It is possible that the Americans actually had intelligence that those weapons existed. But, if so, then their incompetence is staggering. If not, then they lied. Either way, they dragged the UK into the war with them.

But, from a UK citizen’s perspective, the inefficiency of government departments of getting us into an unwelcome war is overshadowed by the fact that we sent our troops into the field with equipment that wasn’t readily available, didn’t work or was unsuitable. Stories of soldiers being killed, whose lives could have been saved had they not had to lend their safety equipment to others going out on patrol, beggars belief.

This war has sparked off a major menace here in the UK. The Muslim terrorist is a well known phenomenon world-wide, 2006 saw the development of home-grown British Muslims training to be bombers and suicide bombers. This has resulted in a deep mistrust of the whole Muslim community by ordinary people and intolerance.

The courts have had to try cases where Muslim women wanting to go about their work covering themselves completely in black, except for an eye slit. I have to say that I do not want my child being taught by someone dressed like something out of “Star Wars”.

Even in my home town on Basingstoke, a lovely town in which to live, there was a fire bomb attack on the local mosque. This would have been unimaginable just a few years ago!

Let’s now turn to water shortages. Readers from abroad who have visited our green and pleasant land will now that the green fields and hedgerows stay green because of the regular rain. So, the government sit back and let the water supply companies, now largely owned by foreign corporations, put our prices up at the same time as turning a blind eye to them letting thousands and thousand of gallons pour away in leaks in the pipe work. Because global warming is changing our climate, we are having less rain so instead of sorting out the leaks, the water suppliers threaten to cut off supply and put up stand pipes in the street. In the meantime, they ban us watering our gardens or washing our cars. There is no national grid of water pipes to transfer water from areas well supplied to those less adequately supplied, but the authorities talk about piping in water from abroad!

Finally, I come to the Polish invasion. I voted for Tony Blair’s government in each of the last two elections so I feel particularly let down by them. Many people warned them that, when Poland was admitted to the European Union which then allowed their citizens free access to any member country, we would be deluged by Polish immigrants seeking work. Germany, for example, realised this and set limits on the numbers coming into their country,

Our incompetent government assured us that this wouldn’t happen here. 345,000 of Eastern Bloc immigrants have piled over the border.

345,000!

Yes, this is a staggering number. So, what is the impact? It is horrendous. The Polish are in huge numbers in every town. Every shop you go in has Polish staff serving you; some have a reasonable command of English but many just scrape through and you have to struggle to make yourself understood. In factories, many are employed who speak no English at all and cannot mix with their fellow English workers making for divided groups of employees.

They have taken a hold of the rented accommodation making it difficult for local people to find places to rent. They have taken most of the lower paid work leaving English people struggling for work. And, because their way of life is so different – they have no concept of customer care or saying “please” or “thank you” they can be so rude. And they drive round in untaxed and uninsured cars because the driver cannot be charged as it would not be possible to enforce fines or convictions when they give their address, which who knows might even be fictitious, in Poland.

Headline Promotions, Press & PR which my PR consultancy here in the UK, was asked to arrange a series of events for a nightclub for the Polish community. The local Council, aware of problems with the large numbers of Polish immigrants in the area, promised to put some money into this to try and get them together. But, the Police advised against the idea. They said that large groups of Polish men already get together in town centres, drink excessively and then either fight amongst themselves or pick fights with innocent groups of English party-goers. Nice!

So, what is the UK government’s solution to this problem? They are opening the floodgates for hundreds of thousand of Bulgarians to come into the UK when Bulgaria enters the European Union. Other countries are imposing limits but ours isn’t. Yes, you could not even make this up.

If I were a betting man, I would put a few pounds on a civil backlash, for sure, before the Polish flag (pictured) is flying over much of the UK!

Even Christmas is a PR opportunity

In my Christmas e-mail inbox, was an electronic Christmas card from David Seall of EEF South (formerly known as the Engineering Employers' Federation Southern regional office).

You can view this by clicking here.

This was accompanied by a personal e-mail from David, EEF South's dynamic Chief Executive, which said that the organisation was sending this personal greeting with the electronic Christmas card. The money saved was being donated to the local childrens' hospice.

What a great PR coup with social benefits thrown in! It was such a good idea that I wished to share it with you.

And, may I take this opportunity to wish all readers the very best for 2007.

With all good wishes,
John


John Hicks
Managing Director
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Basingstoke
England