Asian Leader_312 e-edition | Page 7

Asian LEADER 07 1 Jan - 14 Jan 2014 Square 1 Studios oscar themed annual event Square 1 Studios marked their 5th anniversary with an evening of glitz and glamour at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Themed around The Oscars, the evening was an allout celebration, with blacktie guests entering along a red carpet lined with faux paparazzi. Flash photography and media interviews were followed by an exuberant champagne reception in a venue adorned with intricate decorations and extravagant lighting. Throughout the evening, the audience were blown away by a series of flash mobs and live music performances as they enjoyed an exquisite three-course meal. The night also saw the presentation of Square 1 Studios very own ‘Oscars’, which were awarded to partners of the organisation as well as young achievers. Councillor Shoaib Akhtar; Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, who attended the event said: “I’ve known Square 1 Studios since it was formed, it’s great to see it develop and grow this far and take so many young people along with it. It was also amazing to see local young people showing off their talent, it’s something we should be proud of as Oldhamers.” On the night, a young person’s parent said; “The whole evening was wonderful. It was so well planned and organised, from the entertainment, the red carpet, the beautifully laid tables to the delicious food. My husband and I felt very proud when our son won a Achiever of The Year Award and more importantly it made our son feel really proud and special too.” Square 1 Studios is a community organisation based in Oldham Town Centre that provides training, services and facilities in music, creative arts and digital media. Started in 2008 by CEO Sam Malik, the charity has since provided over 100 projects, worked with more than 700 people and has empowered many people to gain experience in the creative arts. The event was not only a chance to celebrate and showcase some of the work that the charity has done in last 5 years, but was also an opportunity to look forward at the role that it will play in the future development of Oldham Town Centre. The Chief Executive of Square 1 Studios Sam Malik quoted: “This is by far our greatest achievement to date; surviving, developing and growing a grass root community organisation for 5 years. Tonight we have had the chance to showcase the music we create, the musicians we generate and show the audience how we have been a platform for the music scene in Oldham” Ansar Ali representing DSGNuk Nicola Pomfrey, Claire Louise & Haley Harewood representing KOGS (keeping our girls safe) Achiever of the year Morgan Harper Jones with Square1 Studios Cheif Execuitve Sam Malik. Government takes money from GMP frontline to pay for vanity projects • Greater Manchester to part-fund city of London police • GMP forced to pay for unwanted direct entry scheme • Discredited IPCC to get £1m of GMP’s cash G reater Manchester Police is to have a further £6.4m slashed from its budget to fund the government’s own pet projects, it has been revealed. The money – which could pay for 145 police officers or 210 PCSOs – is being clawed back by government to fund unpopular schemes, such as the proposal to allow people to join the police service at a senior rank without having to have to walk the beat, and to shore up the largely discredited Independent Police Complaints Commission. Remarkably, some money is even being taken from GMP to give to the City of LONDON Police – the force that protects the banking industry. Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Be in no doubt – this is money that is being taken directly from frontline policing here in Greater Manchester. It is funding that the Chief Constable could and should be using to keep the people I represent safe. Instead it is being used to fund pet projects that will be of little or no benefit to the people of Greater Manchester. “The idea that the banking sector is to get extra protection at the expense of Greater Manchester residents is extraordinary. Forcing Greater Man