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STATEMENT: Wolverhampton Wanderers Relegation from the Premier League

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:55:08 GMT

My thoughts on a terrible moment for my city and Wulfrunians around the globe.

21:55 BST, MONDAY APRIL 20TH 2026: WOLVERHAMPTON - WEST MIDLANDS

Wolverhampton Wanderers relegation from the Football Association Premier League to the English Football League Championship, as confirmed today and as expected all season, is one of the saddest days for my city in its history.

I am personally devastated, not just as a Season Ticket Holder but as a fan whose seen The Old Gold on over 300 occasions since the end of 2011. From almost bursting into the UEFA Champions League in 2020 and finishing 7th place two seasons running, to falling within one of the most absurd seasons possible in just 6 years, has been beyond shameful to bear witness.

The manner which this 8-year spell in the top flight will conclude post the PL’s Annual General Meeting in June, is I believe of the most feckless and irresponsible incompetence by owners Fosun International – of which has made today completely inevitable.

Fosun’s unacceptable lack of investment in the playing squad, alongside the length it took for them to remove Jeff Shi from position as Executive Chairman and purchasing players whose qualities were clearly not good enough for the most competitive league on earth, has put an enormous stain on the history of our famed institution.

This will now result in a huge loss of income for the club, thus putting many people’s jobs of those who unstintingly work behind the scenes at serious risk and my fullest thoughts at this moment are with everyone working for Wolves who had no fault in what’s taken place.

It will also mean a sizable decline of tourism and money into the visitor economy of Wolverhampton in a detrimental amount – yet dared to be calculated.

Knowing of this, I hereby declare having no confidence in Fosun as the club’s owners and call for them to immediately announce that they intend to sell the club.

I also ask Wolves for the following six things:

That a formal apology by Fosun, the Board and Executive Management is issued, not just for relegation occurring, but for the manner that the slide towards this day has occurred in the last few years;
That they publicly confirm as soon as possible that no non-playing and coaching staff are made redundant as a result of these circumstances, so this can put them and their families at ease promptly;
An assurance that alongside making a swiftest possible sale to new custodians, the relevant transfer funds will be in place, in seeking to rebuild the side and making it as competitive as possible for the 2026/27 campaign;
That the planned and welcomed Season Ticket price reductions are announced as soon as possible, not least so this can be factored into people’s personal finances;
That Wolves Women are in no circumstances affected, knowing of the outstanding season they are having in fighting for promotion to WSL2;
And that Wolves will not under any circumstances reduce their commitment to the Wolves Foundation and various other programmes particularly around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, that show the club’s power of good off the pitch – not least at community level and in fighting inequality.

Lessons must be learned from this truly disastrous episode, which has tested and on multiple ways snapped everyone’s patience and our loyalties, of which must never again repeated.

I intend to hold the club even more accountable, as the quest to get my home’s most famed institution back to the top flight of our national game begins here – and now.

PERSONAL STATEMENT - Abuse in my Local Election Campaign

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:30:14 GMT

A warning this does contain some crude language.

21:30 - Tuesday March 24th 2026, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

"In the last few weeks during my Local Election campaign in Penn, Wolverhampton, I and my campaigners have been subject to what I can only describe as unacceptable abuse on the doorstep and online.

On Saturday whilst canvassing, a volunteer out with me felt the need to hurry away from a door, as a result of the ever agressive nature of a man; who even more shockingly stated very strong language with a young child next to him.

And on social media, a recent Facebook post was filled, en-masse, with comments including “you bunch of traitorous scum”, “should think many would like to slam your head through a door” and “big mistake if you knock on my door” - of which I intend to report to the relevant authorities.

I know people have ever passionate views on the big political issues of the day, but I call for everyone to state them with respect and with tolerance. Such behaviour brings our democracy into the gutter and it must be stopped.

I am continuing my campaign unabated and without fear, in seeking the opportunity to serve a fantastic part of my city, region and nation.”

2025 Christmas Reflections

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:24:16 GMT

My yearly thoughts and feelings ahead of December 25th and that connections are wonderful.

As is mentioned every year in this annual website post, Christmas for me and my family will permanently make the heart and mind feel heavy, with December 25th, 2021, being the day which my beloved Brother Kieran sadly left us aged 25. Trying to express and convey my feelings therefore takes some doing but is something I won’t stop and is exactly what he will have wanted.

And also what he would have wanted to know, is that this has felt like as normal as festive season for me – probably the most normal since 2019, in that during the last few months I have seen lots of people I appreciate, have been to a few Christmas parties, have a gift bag under the tree and received five cards from some brilliant beings.

All of this makes my thoughts this festive season simple – connecting with those you know feels wonderful. This for me was shown wonderfully on my birthday (last date of my last blog post here, I know!) when having a surprise post work visit to Clays in Birmingham, a fairly new bar and spectacular virtual pigeon shooting range, which provides the region with another fantastic social venue.

After leaving the venue, I struggled to hold back tears in the knowledge of how valued some folks make me feel and in feeling lonely a lot of the time as an Autistic person, that really meant something.

This sense of connection also has extended with seeing several fellow Graduates of Sheffield Hallam in recent months – my three first year flatmates in October across a wholesome Saturday in Birmingham and then those who I studied with in my BA (Hons) Politics degree or who I met through activity in Hallam Students’ Union in December, for what was a fantastic weekend in The Steel City and featured my longest night out for many a year. It was an awesome travel back to between 2016-2019, that’s for sure.

Adding this together alongside 2025’s other things – ticking off my first two half marathons and contributing to nearly £2,800 raised for two charities, attending two Grand Prix’s; one as a fan and the other in my usual capacity of volunteering at Silverstone, the former of those races meaning my first foreign visit for 6 years, seeing two outstanding gigs in Coldplay and Pendulum, speaking at two political conferences, kicking off another election campaign and through work helping to organise a Ministerial Visit by Seema Malhotra MP in September and assisting in some community visits for the Mayor of the West Midlands, along with being the strongest financial position I have ever been in: has made these past 12 months feel fairly satisfying.

There has been the odd wobbly moment, and which has knocked my confidence back and allowed a fair amount of self-doubt to creep into the mind, but I won’t allow that to overload my mind at this moment in time and will reflect further in my New Year post next week.

Whatever you and your families do over the coming days, whether a Christmas morning Parkrun like I will at East Park in my city, praying in your local congregation, volunteering or working, seeing your local sports side (even if seeing Wolves is mildly difficult at present!) or just putting your feet up to have some quiet time, I give you my best possible and warmest wishes.

And I end by simply saying to Kieran - bro, wherever you now are and is as stated in Silent Night, “Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Sleep in Heavenly Peace.”

A Birthday Reflection

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 20:49:09 GMT

Hello being 28! Some views as another year is ticked off.

In giving this annual reflection post as the clock turns on another year of my life and which sees me today turn 28, I feel that these last 12 months have been much beneficial both personally and professionally.

Without the vigour and demanding nature of electioneering in my home city; which always takes us a significant period of personal time, it has allowed me to some of the more enjoyable things, and which make me feel hugely lucky to know who I do and cherish those relationships and friendships even more.

Making my first visit to mainland Europe since 2019, attending two wonderful weddings, as well as ticking off my first two Half Marathons, be at two Formula One races, having three excellent visits to Silverstone, see 32 football games, run over 550KM (according to Strava), be among 80K+ at Wembley to see Coldplay and be part of 160K+ in witnessing Lando Norris’s majestic British Grand Prix victory, alongside ever evolving work responsibilities in the heart of regional Government here in the West Midlands, has certainly made it a big adventure.

From as far north as Newcastle for that big run as done last week, to as far south as North Eastern Spain to soak up the sun and really enjoy my love of motorsport, and from as far east as Ipswich to see my football team claim a rare away win to as far west as Bristol in seeing and expanding my knowledge and passion for culture and heritage, this latest cycle around the earth has given me experiences to look fondly on and which have been more varied and mixed more than ever.

No doubt it has at points made me feel a bit tired and that has interlinked with some forms of disappointment; not least politically, but every year of living has those down points and they have been outweighed by the above positives and folks I know.

The next 12 months in my 29th year, I will look to become an even greater and authentic version of myself, who isn’t afraid to call out injustice, who becomes personally more ethical in a number of areas and who seeks to get out a shell, which I feel has continued to somewhat grip me: loneliness. The globe being such a big and uncertain place, lets be honest has scared the life out of me in recent months and I will look to oversee that.

On that, I do greatly appreciate the support, guidance and backing from the organisations I am involved with and many exemplary individuals who are counted as close friends and folks I can turn to. And in saying thanks for the wishes for today’s upping of the age, I embrace the coming 12 months even more than the last.

It’s Happy Birthday, little old me!

The Race of my Life! 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:25:29 GMT

My thoughts following completing the most popular Half Marathon on the planet!

I typed much of this post on the 133 National Express service from Newcastle down to Birmingham on the Monday, following what felt like a life defining day on Sunday.

Being one of 60,000 participants in this year’s AJBell Great North Run, in raising substantial funds ( £640 as of posting ) ticked off one of those bucket list items for surely every runner, knowing how the brainchild of the legendary Sir Brendan Foster has become one of biggest annual mass participation events in global sport.

The inspiration came from seeing a good number of folks, some I know and others who I follow on social media doing it last year and thus Friday 13 ^th September saw me put in a near late September Ballot application. Clearly doing so on this particular date was lucky for me, having been pulled out the first ballot on my birthday three days later. A notification from my bank on a modest payment being taken immediately frantically saw me check my emails, announcing that the draw had been kind and given me one of the most immense birthday presents ever.

Skip forward to May and the completion of the Great Birmingham Run, my first Half with work colleagues in 2:15:44, made me naturally confident that I could and would go faster and possibly by some margin too. My training runs of between 10K to 14.15KM between then and the run itself showed consistent pace that would knock off a few minutes from that marker and that running up roads on hills locally would be a good contributor ahead of the day.

Coming to race weekend itself, Saturday saw my tick off T in the Parkrun alphabet by doing Town Moor parkrun, clocking 28:22, being 373 from 891 runners. This featured a guest appearance by Joe Wicks, one hugely impressive figure who deserves massive credit for how he has encouraged and got people into physical activity, which importantly supports individuals own mental health. Due to the numbers who came along for their final pre-Half Marathon run, it was a very slow start, that then turned into a quick ending. A headwind between 3 and 4K really hoisted me up the order and that made me feel rather content ahead of Race day itself.

As is the case with such an event however, you cannot underestimate the power of the nature of the roads and what I feel in my case should be a bit more planning. This was having been told “don’t go off too quick” and “be aware of the hills towards the end”.

After a long wait until just before 12:20 it was show time and once settled in and as I got some space around to get into the zone, I did a very good 8 miles done in a swift 1:18:31, including with a 30:08 for 5K and 1:00:49 over 10K, and that continued into Mile 7 of a 09:36, which turned out to be my 4 ^th quickest individual mile of the run. The body was certainly responding to the slice of orange, the sugary Percy Pigs (other sweetened animals are also available!) and the isotonic and I felt like I could continue to push.

However, somewhere between 8 and 9 came a spectacular hitting of the wall; started by a running pin needing to be put back in place by a spectator (thank you whoever you were!) which cost me about 30 seconds and saw me have a big loss of pace, with Mile 9 in 10:18, Mile 10 in 10:45 and Miles 11 and 12 being 11:34 a piece. Those hills and me not doing anything beyond 8.5 miles in such prep runs had cost me somewhat and meant an emergency usage of a gel, done for the first time ever in any run to this point and thankfully this kicked in nicely with a 10:38 for Mile 13 along the seafront and 59 seconds for the 0.1 mile to the finish. One gag when opening the gel up did have one person ask, “you alight?!”, but the strawberry taste did its job and powered me home.

Such disappointment that I could have gone a few minutes faster than May, which at some stages looked like I could threaten a sub-2:10 may linger a little bit in the mind, but upon crossing the line and putting my arms in the air in glory subsided this, realising that this is the most popular and most loved 13.1 Mile run anywhere on the planet. In the end, my time of 2:15:19 did beat May by some 25 seconds, which from a first Half Marathon to the next in 4 months is I think rather good going.

The support you get out on the course is something unique in world sport. Those on the bridges by the motorway as you ease towards Tyne Bridge, including the loud screams of “Oggy, Oggy Oggy!” within the tunnels, alongside the thousands gathering on the road sides, particularly between Mile 3 to 7 when going from Gateshead into South Tyneside and the stretches up and down the hilly terrains from Mile 9 to the finish, and which that final 1.1 mile is packed 10-15 deep in many places.

A shoutout in crossing the start line by the Heart FM DJ, the collection of two orange slices with glee to keep the energy up, Team Stroke’s bus being A VIBE when passing just after Mile 4 with the cheers and music, the content of signs held up along the way (some of which are not for public mention!), the Red Arrows flying by both at the start and whilst I was between Miles 10 and 11 showing and plenty of other shouts of “Go on Kashmire!” were the encouragement you naturally need when doing 24,534 steps over 195 minutes, within only my second tilt at the distance.

All of that made me simply think “Oh my god – did I really just do that!” and feel rather emotive upon collecting my medal, in ringing the PB bell, whilst getting a much-required post-race massage and when watching the highlights show on BBC Two once back on my hostel in the evening. I suspect this occurred for the vast majority of us, who spent many hours preparing for such a moment.

The work done by The Stroke Association couldn’t be more important and I intend to keep such support them for as long as I live, knowing that on average a stroke occurs every 5 minutes in our nation. The funds I’ve raised, along with those of the 400+ runners will be so invaluable to there work and makes me even prouder that this total is my second highest individual fundraiser by me to date.

If you ever want a challenge that is tough in parts, but has such a rewarding feeling afterwards, then The Great North Run ticks those boxes in such a meaningful fashion and I hope 2025 is the first of many I come to do over the years (a Ballot entry is in for 2026), even if this one is no doubt the first and last with the River Wear on the shirt and Medal!

Massive and heartfelt thanks for everyone’s support and I look forward to some long and soak filled baths, which will be a blissful helper in relaxing my muscles ahead of volunteering this weekend for the European Le Mans Series at Silverstone.

P.S: Here are my full results for your curiosity, from The Great North Company’s results portal :

Position

21,940 ^th

Finish Time

02:15:19

Split Times

1 mile

00:09:33

2 miles

00:19:31 (09:58)

3 miles

00:29:10 (09:39)

5k time

00:30:03

4 miles

00:39:07 (09:57)

5 miles

00:49:20 (10:13)

6 miles

00:58:54 (09:36)

10k time

01:00:49

7 miles

01:08:30 (09:36)

8 miles

01:18:31 (10:01)

9 miles

01:29:49 (10:18)

15k time

01:33:06

10 miles

01:40:34 (10:45)

11 miles

01:52:08 (11:34)

12 miles

02:03:42 (11:34)

20k time

02:08:25

13 miles

02:14:20 (10:38)

FINISH

02:15:19

The Great North Run - Why I'm Running

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:30:23 GMT

Sunday is a big day! Here's why I am part of #TeamStroke for the Great North Run.

This coming Sunday marks the 2025 AJBell Great North Run – and what will be just 9 days prior to my 28th Birthday, I will be ticking off one of the bucket list items for surely any runner on the planet.

This 13.1 miles to come from Newcastle to South Shields will be more than just my second half marathon of the year, being among around 60,000 people, as I’m partaking for The Stroke Association, whose work really is lifechanging for anyone whose had a stroke and their families.

I am doing it for my wonderful Mother Daljit, who suffered a stroke aged just 23 in November 1989. A stroke in someone’s mid-twenties is devastating enough and no doubt made even worse that as a result of the effects of it, she lost sight in her right eye in June 1993 aged just 26 and her left eye be left with limited vision, being over 4 years before I was welcomed into the world.

Blackouts related to this were frequent during the 2000’s and meant several hospital stays for her whilst I was a primary school pupil, which naturally made me feel very scared and worried when growing up. Thankfully, her prescriptions have meant she hasn’t had an extended hospital stay for over a decade.

Knowing she marked her 59th birthday on Saturday just gone and that I can help to plan a celebration for her hitting 60 next August, makes me beyond proud of all she has navigated through during her existence, not least a single Mum to 4 boys.

It really shows just how important it is for folks to get as much support as possible and as quickly as possible after a stroke and this is what The Stroke Association provide through there wide range of services and practical assistance across the country.

By the time I finish on Sunday within two and a half hours many more lives will have been changed, as an individual on average has a stroke every 5 minutes in the UK. This makes the run even more important for all 430 us donning a Team Stroke vest, in contributing to such a big national effort to help with treatment and whatever support an individual so needs.

As of writing, I’ve raised £366 which I am hugely grateful for and would love to push that to the £500 mark for the day itself. If you are able, please do donate at https://events.stroke.org.uk/fundraisers/kashmirehawker and if it’s a few quid or above £50 (as three very kind donations have been), I and all at The Stroke Association will appreciate it with all our hearts.

Huge thanks for all given so far and if you want to follow me on run day, my bib number is Pink Wave 43784 .

Together, lets help to support many millions of people’s lives!

In Utter PARADISE! Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour Delivered by DHL

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:14:01 GMT

My reflecions on a breathtaking and powerfully emotional night, seeing a global icon at Wembley.

Among a long list of truly unforgettable and life affirming dates I’ve had in my near 28 years alive, I can officially add Sunday August 31st, 2025, to the collection.

Just over 11 months after a near 3 hour wait on Ticketmaster’s very tricky to navigate website and despite its bots stating “there’s no tickets left” about 1 hour and 15 minutes in, I was lucky enough to head back to Wembley just over a year after Taylor Swift’s incredible tour date and see Coldplay’s continued marathon of the Music of the Spheres World Tour Delivered by DHL (other delivery organisations are of course available��) to round off another fairly fun Summer.

When these latest dates were announced last September and thus saw Chris Martin and co add them themselves to the national stadium’s history books by doing the greatest number of gigs of the same tour there, I knew instantly that I wished to try and get to one of this run of 10 taking place. People have long said “if there is one concert you should go to, then it has to be Coldplay” and that automatically made me think it would be worth putting this theory to the test.

Arrival was the easiest and swiftest passage through security in my now many number of Wembley visits and saw all given 2 flashy wristbands and a pair of “Moongoggles” to use at one point. Proceedings began at 5pm with there being three support acts on the bill being Gustavo Dudamel and The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela – whose few pieces including the Star Wars theme raised the hairs on my necks and was a quite majestic way to kick off proceedings, Elyanna, who has a good voice and great South American flair, but which struggled to resonate with the crowd during much of her time on stage and the Asian band beabadoobee, who brought passion and a sense of fun ahead the main event.

Impressively, the gap between beabadoobee who finished at 7:17pm and Coldplay who made entry at 7:53pm was just 36 minutes, making it I think the shortest crossover periods in a gig which I’ve attended between the final warm-up and the chief artist and which showed just how meaningful that support acts on the bill at major concerts can be, when given the time and space to do their thing.

Coldplay’s entrance came through the playing of the theme of ET and them casually walking on to the stage without too much grandeur, before Higher Power and Adventure of a Lifetime got things moving with staggering energy.

Paradise, my personal favourite of there’s was next and done in a more electric rock style than the song was made of. It thus brought something really different to the set and yet still had the same pulling power thanks to it’s meaning. To me, Paradise means achievement, it means emotive happiness and it means the enjoyment of life despite some of the pitfalls which come along the way and thus hearing it live (plus singing it) will be a moment that lives very long in the memory.

There were plenty of other classics to cherish, with Viva La Vida going down a storm, Clocks turning Wembley like an Incredible Hulk kind of Green which flashed right round, Hymn for the Weekend which was belted out in unison and Yellow which filled emotion among all and made one of the world’s greatest arena’s more like the Old Gold of my club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

We Pray brought a request of unity knowing of the uncertainties within humanity right now, as shown within an earlier playing of Magic that featured two audience members from Israel appear on stage and thus Chris give his appreciation to anyone from Palestine in attendance, of which was greeted with huge applause. People of the Pride featuring the waving of the LGBTQIA+ flag and rainbows everywhere captured everyone’s thoughts, as well as Chris’s comedic admission earlier in proceedings that “I’m more of a Grindr man” when it came to dating apps!

My Universe featuring BTS also brought real vibrancy and power, as well as a stunning edition of A Sky Full of Stars which all was told to keep the phones away and jump around like you’ve forgotten about those frustrations in your life. Fireworks, confetti and colours lit up Brent’s finest asset, to the joy of us all and let 80K+ feel genuinely happy at what they were doing at that exact moment.

Not long after was Fix You, which upon fully understanding the lyrics put me on the verge of tears.

Knowing of my family, and that I have an estranged Twin whose behaviour has been least pleasing to folks in my immediate surroundings over the last several years, certainly makes me wonder if he will ever be fixable to us, let alone society. That makes my heart feel very heavy and somewhat regretful, but it’s for our betterment that his actions give us no choice but to have cut him out and that unless he cuts them out, such a stance is our default position. I hope one day that this can and will be altered.

Fix You formed part of a mighty conclusion, which prior included what was joked an all-new segment of showing a camera to audience members, which thankfully for Gig 220 of Music of the Spheres didn’t have anyone showing signs of any affair of any type appear on screen!

Earlier I mentioned some Moongoggles, given at the doors after heading through security. It was the last big track that the usage came for feelslikefallinginlove, which was full of planets used on the floors, full of lots of spectacle through almost every colour possible and upon putting on those plastic specs that I just about did over my actual glasses, meant lots of jazzy lighting. This track has become one of my big loves thanks to its melody and how the piece of music comes together as something joyful and impactful. Right at the end of it, post more fireworks saw the word LOVE in big bold letters on both sides of the stadium, in an explicit and powerful message that the globe needs people, places and in this case groups to come together and deliver some positivity in what is quite the scary world.

I departed with 2 songs remaining, to ensure I beat the madness of what has become quite a lengthy line on Olympic Way up to Wembley Park which post Taylor Swift I was within for over an hour. That mission was successful, and I’d returned back to my comfy hostel near The Shard just about 60 minutes after departing. I deem that tactic one to use for future major events I attend in the future.

Other bits to reflect on from the gig was its fantastic social value, with the Music Venues Trust getting 10% of receipts from each night and its green credentials, with it solar powered and 6 dedicated dance circles and a fair few exercise bikes helping to generate significant energy for future shows. 10 Million trees are also being planted in the Amazon, representing one tree for every ticket sold, thus doing there bit in the fight against our changing planet.

All put together, the emotion, the power, the colour, the timeless classic after timeless classic and the pure humility in humanity on display last night made it one utterly extraordinary and surreal experience, of which was worth all £111 of the ticket, alongside the accommodation and travel costs.

Days and moments like it feel absolutely priceless and certainly helped to fulfil the theory as mentioned at the top.

Coldplay are forever worth seeing and I simply say: thank you, for doing it in such formidable and beautiful style.

I’d do it again every day of the year in a heartbeat.

The Neon Green Dream! The 2025 British Grand Prix

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 22:17:56 GMT

Some reflections on volunteering at a truly EPIC 2025 British Grand Prix!

In my time of giving voluntary service of the years, I have no doubt what being at Silverstone for the 2025 Formula 1 Qatar Airways British Grand Prix will be extraordinarily hard to beat.

Ticking off my 6th British GP aged 27, having been a ticket steward in 2018 and 2019 whilst a Uni student and as a Volunteer Race Maker for GP weekend since 2022 felt an even bigger privilege this year, knowing it celebrated one man and electrified one small part of the birthplace of the sport.

Stowe Corner has been my base for the BGP in 2023 and 2024 and am pleased to say it remained the case for 2025. Being Autistic means I much approve familiarity and Silverstone understood that message in the best possible way, which instantly made me satisfied before arrival.

After arriving on a warm Wednesday evening and ensuring my tent’s top had an undercover post last year’s Saturday morning 3:30am thunderstorm for the ages, Thursday saw what has also become a familiar part of the GP weekend routine in supporting the Pit Walks. In my case this year, I was on the edge of the track between the 100M and 150M boards, shouting at folks to get across nicely and to stay off the grass. Safe to say my F1 puns including “You’ll get a 10 second penalty” got a mixed response…

The track was semi-live when it shouldn’t, meaning delays between the groups heading across but the perks of seeing some stars around, including impressive rookie Isack Hadjar and fellow Frenchman Pierre Gasly on there bikes doing plenty of miles. Once I got into the pits to walk through with Group 3 of the 4, I also Sir Lewis Hamilton from about 15 yards away, prior to him heading on to his named straight for Sky Sports F1’s The F1 Show. That alone made me extremely chuffed to be that close to the all-time legend he is.

For Race Weekend, my specific position was towards the end of Stowe (or Landostand) B, forming part of one of motorsport’s most awesome highspeed and daring corners – a place which nailing it makes you a hero and place you get it wrong, can make you find out to a big cost as Michael Schumacher did with his broken leg in 1999.

All three days on the stand brought the usual questions and signposting of where things were by fans, as well as Sunday’s several spectacular storms including one during the race, many photo taking requests and more, all decked out in the most beautiful sea of Neon Green and Black which forms part of Lando’s and Quadrant’s striking brand. This was via flags at the top of each stand, tarpaulin at the bottom of each of them and at the back which made for a stunning visual approach when walking, as well as on all of the catering outlets behind the corner and many thousands of gorgeous, if not slightly pricey t-shirts being worn by the mass ranks.

What made the weekend however was the wonderful sincerity, decency and utter kindness of the fans who we had the pleasure of sharing the experience with. Lando’s fanbase have kind-heartedness woven into their passion of Formula 1 and this was evident from the moment the first supporters came on Friday, of which as a volunteer who was there to do a role as required by the circuit certainly helped to make it be done much easier a result.

Next to the track fence was a DJ who at first on the Friday was not playing the correct tracks at all for very much a female majority and family heavy range of spectators, but that was put right and enabled us to show our enjoyment, particularly in the build-up to Qualifying and the Race. Dance moves and inspiring the audience were plenty, not least by one of our Zone Leaders in Gary Thrope, who is now TikTok, and social media adored a thousand times over and helped to contribute to the most impressive and terrific atmosphere I’ve perhaps ever experienced at a major sports event.

This was backed up by his Mr Norris claiming a well driven victory come the main event, of which made the majority of eyes around me (including my own) somewhat damp for the last lap, in-lap and for the podium. Seeing what Lando means to so many right-throughout the weekend so potentially symbolises the exceptional power which individuals in sport can have on others and seeing this on full display made his win even more special to comprehend.

One other highlight to feel gleeful about, was being able to post the Saturday shift to meet many from the F1 community on Meta’s Threads. Brought together by two brilliant humans in Helz and Casper, saying hello to folks from across the globe, who’d you got to know a little about via social media was a true joy and has for many given them a safe space to Threads, which has by far the best set of Formula 1 fans online. My heart felt full and almost bursting to see such an awesome set of folks and I already look forward to 2026’s meet!

Huge credit goes to all my fellow Race Makers for the immense job that was done at another record breaking, history making gathering which saw over 500,000 attend between Thursday and Sunday. It’s no wonder the race gets 95%+ satisfaction rating year on year thanks to all of hard work and graft, during what can sometimes be a tiring few days and all-around Stowe were simply top class.

It helps to make Silverstone and this international institution of an event one unbelievable annual occasion and being one of many giving a helping hand every year, is a very proud personal achievement.

Cheers to the Landostand and its wonderful fans, hopefully forever, as well as him winning the 2025 Drivers World Championship!

P.S: Find more about opportunities of volunteering at Silverstone by seeing https://www.silverstone.co.uk/about/volunteering

ANNOUNCEMENT: Selection as Candidate for Penn for 2026 Local Elections

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:59:35 GMT

Deeply honoured to be running in Penn for a third year running. Bring on the campaign!

23:00,Tuesday July 29th 2025, Wolverhampton

It’s with huge pleasure and personal delight that I announce my Re-Selection as The Labour Party’s Candidate for the 2026 Local Elections in Penn ward, Wolverhampton.

As I came to discover in my campaigns for 2023 and 2024, Penn is a quite superb place, peppered with tremendous pubs including The Hollybush, brilliant independent local businesses including A Cup of Joy, home of exceptional voluntary sector organisations including Friends of Di’s Kitchen and outstanding recreational spaces such as Penn Bowling Club.

All of these places and Penn’s incredible residents, who I am truly honoured to have received 3,206 votes from in the last two elections, deserve a Councillor who can get the best for them, working hand in hand with a Labour ran City of Wolverhampton Council, a Labour MP in Wolverhampton West’s Warinder Juss, a Labour West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner in Simon Foster, a Labour and Co-operative Party Mayor in Richard Parker and a UK Labour Government and ultimately someone able to tackle the issues affecting residents the most.

From the need to Keep Penn Green and Clean, tackling the state of the roads (not least potholes and speeding), making its housing more energy efficient, getting better public health services and working local businesses to keep the economy thriving, I will be an open and visible candidate and if elected on May 7th 2026, be an open, visible, honest and transparent Councillor who works hard every day in championing the interests of all who live, work and study in a part of the city rooted by its phenomenal communities.

I hugely look forward to getting back on the campaign trail in the coming nine months, in sharing such a message, meeting residents and getting more engrossed and engaged throughout activity in Penn.

Together, Let’s Deliver For PENN and For YOU!

The campaign can be followed via Kashmire Hawker for Penn on Facebook and @hawkerforpenn on Instagram.

Spanish Grand Prix Preview – A scorcher, but no clue who for!

Thu, 29 May 2025 15:45:48 GMT

Hola from the Costa Brava ahead of some Grand Prix racing, at the end of a Magnificent May!

In saying Hola from the beautiful and spectacular Pineda De Mar in the Costa Brava, where today one had done a gorgeous 8K run and had been in the pool by 1pm, I cannot help feeling for the first time both simultaneously very excited and incredibly relaxed, being on my first visit to Mainland Europe since February 2019.

This week’s visit came from a call by fellow Volunteer Race Makers at Silverstone, who in March 2024 asked about interest for a group trip to a Grand Prix. Knowing that I’d always want to experience one overseas and that I haven’t had a continental visit since pre-pandemic, this was something I simply could not refuse.

It has also naturally given me a lot of time to reflect and be pretty pleased with how 2025 has turned out thus far, not least this month alone. Alongside this week's holiday, running my first Half Marathon at the Great Birmingham Run which I organised a team for at work and thus contributed to over £2,000 being raised for St Basils, alongside seeing a gorgeous wedding of an amazing work colleague (congrats again Lucy!), plus judge at Solutions for the Planet’s Big Ideas Central England Regional Final for a sixth year running, joining the Board of Coventry Biennial and marching at Birmingham Pride with fellow Wolverhampton Wanderers fans last Saturday for a fourth year in succession, has made this personally a Magnificent May and really shows the power of communities and it’s people at its brilliant best.

Back to here; and with lots of lounging beside the pool and my first dips into a swimming pool done since a family visit to Haven Marton Mere in July 2013 (true story!) and some utterly exquisite food being consumed, attention turns to the main event, in witnessing the Formula 1 armaco Gran Premio de Espana 2025, in what is set to be the Circuit de Catalunya’s final bow on the calendar. Even if they have a deal until 2026, Madrid taking away the race for a somewhat annoying looking circuit around a convention centre near an airport, it seems will make Sunday a curtain call after 35 years of noble service.

With the track having fairly limited overtaking opportunities (thankfully a lot more than Monaco, which should be made an exhibition event in my view) but a knack for causing drama, it is anyone’s guess who will claim the glory on Race Day itself.

Even despite Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton winning every race here since the former’s extraordinary maiden victory in 2016, between 2007-2016 saw 10 different winners on the bounce, illustrating the need for a fast car, being in position to strike when the iron is hot and simply having some belief that it could be anyone’s day.

No doubt two key factors for Round 9 of this season, will be the stifling heat that is expected of 29/30 Celsius all weekend and thus the impact this will have on the tires, alongside runaway contenders in McLaren suggesting a performance drop-off is expected with the long-awaited rule changes to the Flexi-Wing (excellently sum-upped by The Race ), which Zak Brown and his boys have utilised to perfection until this moment. A 172-point Constructors World Championship lead after 8 rounds symbolises that to a T.

This really goes open up the possibility of a fascinating contest, one of which I cannot and thus I will not specifically predict one name. I do however have a thought that this could turn out to be 2025’s big surprise and that a wildly unexpected victor has their moment, just like Gasly at Monza in 2020 and Ocon at Hungry 2021. Of course, Alonso or Sainz winning on home soil would be majestic beyond measure!

With a blisteringly quick Start/Finish Straight, gradient changes and undulation which makes the place almost like a Rollercoaster (as once impeccably illustrated in song by Ronan Keating) and all types of corners around the track, this is sure to be another dramatic and unpredictable 190 Miles come Sunday afternoon.

On top of the F1, there will be some extremely entertaining racing in Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Supercup; all of whom have some exceptional and generational talents within (as Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and George Russell have sublimely illustrated), of which make some early alarm calls when watching at home and the annual pilgrimage of volunteering at Silverstone more than worth it.

F2 and the Porsches I suspect however will try to be on their best behaviour, after there Wacky Races style pileups at Turn 1 at Monte Carlo last weekend, which at least again show the immense safety which competitive racing of the kind really has at its core.

There will be huge talking points and a lot for me to saviour and see over the coming three days and all of which, makes me very lucky to experience it in real life and I feel massively grateful. No doubt, Little Old Me (cheers Taylor for the inspo in using those three words) would not have believed it just 10 years ago.

With that, here’s to a fine few days of motorsport and as I did on Tuesday night sinking another 0% Pina Colada or two, or three!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Appointment to the Board of Coventry Biennial Limited

Sat, 17 May 2025 21:24:07 GMT

I'm honoured to have joined the Board and become a Trustee of a force in Contemporary Arts in the West Midlands!

Saturday May 17th 2025

I am incredibly delighted to announce my appointment as a Member of the Board and Trustee of Coventry Biennial Ltd - a social, political and critical platform for contemporary art across the City of Coventry and throughout Warwickshire.

Coventry Biennial was founded in 2017, as an artist-led, strategic response to the city publishing a 10 year cultural strategy and what turned out to be the successful bid to become UK City of Culture 2021.

Coventry Biennial runs activity which aims to:

CONNECT people, groups & places in unique & meaningful ways, increasing engagement with contemporary art & the unique context of the local area.
MAKE work with artists & communities that is ambitious, innovative & high quality, building on the city’s craft & manufacturing heritage.
DEVELOP the local sector & scene to grow, becoming more diverse, dynamic & sustainable, learning from the city’s art history while fostering new talent & initiatives.

Through regular content with artists, as well as the renowned Coventry Biennial Festival, the organisation works with artists to respond to the city’s complex history, geography, built environment & relationships, retaining an outward-looking perspective, ensuring that our work has broader appeal, significance & impact.

On top, Coventry Biennial’s programmes occupy local museums, galleries & studios, but distinctively, also make innovative use of disused, high street and non-art spaces as a way to reach new audiences & increase relevance.

As someone who has come to appreciate the incredible influence which Arts, Culture and Heritage organisations plays in society over the last several years, I am truly honoured to have joined the Board and become a Trustee, of which aligns to my values of opening opportunities (particularly to young people), growing accessibility (particularly for disabled audiences) and helping to showcase the power which people, places and communities have, to make such a positive difference.

And being a West Midlander, contributing to my region and helping to unleash even more of its incredible creativity, through one of the UK’s biggest and most diverse art festivals, is an opportunity I feel very excited and humbled about.

I much look forward to working with the team, led by Board Chair Paula Orrell and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Hughes and I give my wholehearted thanks to them and the Board for allowing me to become part of an outstanding set of individuals, in helping to steer forward the organisation and its richly important work.

You can find out more about Coventry Biennial at https://www.coventrybiennial.com , including updates on programming for Biennial 2025 which will come in due course.

Here is to helping showcase the platform of contemporary art in such a powerful way throughout my region!

ENDS.

STATEMENT: Failure by Wolves to Support Wolves Women

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:09:07 GMT

My response to sadly no promotion for Wolves Women, even if they had won the League!

I am utterly appalled and deeply disgusted to hear that Wolverhampton Wanderers did not even apply for promotion to the Women’s Championship for Wolverhampton Wanderers Women , in the event they won the Women’s National League North: which came within 3 points of happening, after they finished 2nd just behind Nottingham Forest in a closely fought battle.

On the back of another excellent campaign by the side, which alongside that second place in the 3rd tier of English football included a big Black County Derby win in front of over 3,000 at Molineux on March 23rd and a record club attendance of 5,008 for a second consecutive FA Cup 5th Round appearance in February, hearing such news yesterday has put back such progress considerably and it sadly would not surprise me if Macca and a large majority of the side departed for pastures new this Summer.

The clear lack of respect, lack of parity and it seems lack of simple decency towards Macca and his side, who have been in the mix not just this season but for the last several - despite a massive lack of budget compared to other sides, is an even greater and damming stain on the leadership of Jeff Shi and Fosun at the very top of the organisation and shows an unacceptable and inexcusable disrespect towards Women’s Football, which continues to grow in all its forms.

This is the clearest and even more shocking evidence that change is urgently required within Wolves hierarchy, and I call on Fosun International, once again, to immediately intervene and dismiss Shi as Executive Chairman of the business after nearly 9 years, which has seen transparency, fan engagement and in this case, honesty, plummet to record lows and terrible depths.

I also call for a formal public apology by the club, outlining what occurred in this circumstance, stating truthfully what the intention was and is around next season and the club finally outlining what the long-term plan is for Wolves Women, whose time for that extra investment to push us to the next level is long and most certainly overdue.

The motto of “One Pack” means absolutely nothing when hearing about such action and as a member of the club’s Equality Advisory Group, I and others are seeking speedy and comprehensive answers, a group of players, whose efforts, decency and immense commitment to Wolverhampton Wanderers and the City of Wolverhampton, deserve so much better.

Appointment to Solutions for the Planet's Youth Insights Panel

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:10:31 GMT

I am thrilled to being part of an exciting step, in Solutions' next stage of development!

20:15 BST - MONDAY APRIL 7TH 2025, WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

I am delighted to confirm that I have been appointed to the Youth Insights Panel of sustainability social enterprise Solutions for the Planet .

As it states on my bio on Solutions website : “Having discovered the incredible work which Solutions do through the 2020 Big Ideas competition, I felt not only impressed by such engagement but quickly felt it and became incumbent on people like me; in playing a part to protect the globe, become as sustainable as required and embrace the creativity of my generation.

This is at the very heart of Solutions’ mission, and I am beyond privileged that the Youth Insights Panel gives me and some brilliant fellow young leaders an opportunity to play a big part in such collective work.”

Solutions are embarking on an exciting journey of strategic development and in entering my 6th year of my involvement with the organisation, it feels a naturally fantastic opportunity to further be involved within an organisation which plays a big role in neutering the next generation and enables positive action, both individually and within groups through the power of STEM education and awareness.

Solutions' Chief Executive Officer in Jen Baughan adds "We're so excited to be launching our very own Youth Insights Panel - an incredible group of young minds who will challenge, shape, and co-create our strategy.

Their ideas and perspectives will help us build a future-facing organisation that truly embodies the next generation's hopes, needs and ambitions."

You can find out about fellow Panel members and more info about the work of Solutions for the Planet via https://solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk/ and I much look forward to contributing to Solutions' future and doing so in a sense of collaboration that many others can learn from, as together we strive to shape a more sustainable world.

ENDS.

World Autism Awareness Day 2025 - Personal Reflections and an Announcement

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:46:29 GMT

Some thoughts and a long chewed over announcement, this World Autism Awareness Day.

With 2025’s World Autism Awareness Day being today, I can’t help but reflect on how much there is to do in giving the next generation the opportunities they deserve, but that many are relishing the opportunity to input and fighting for better.

Last Thursday night, I as an associate of Changing Our Lives along with others did a half hour presentation to 30 young and aspiring footballers at Sporting Khalsa in Willenhall, as part of a project that seeks to break down perceptions of Autism and Learning Disability in the South Asian Community.

I came away from that feeling really encouraged and pleased, at the understanding and real sense of compassion which those youngsters had for one another and illustrates the immense power of education when in action.

It also made me reflect on just how much I have personally done and achieved.

A University Graduate, someone who has sat on both set of benches in special Parliamentary sittings, visited Number 10, being a guest at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, having my first full-time job at the biggest major event that my part of the world has ever seen, then moving on to being a part of regional government, as well as volunteering at the Home of Motorsport regularly, being an advocate for various organisations in the disability, sustainability and cultural spaces and running to serve my home City for four years, are all things which for someone like me usually shouldn’t happen!

But all that and much more has occurred, which just shows that when the right support is there and by working as hard as you can, people in their own ways can reach the stars.

All as above mentioned feel beyond my wildest dreams, but with employment for Autistic and Neurodiverse people still incredibly low and opportunities being limited all thanks to perceptions and diagnoses, as well as broken systems holding millions back: there is still A LOT more to do.

Knowing all that I have questioned myself intently: what more can I do as part of such an important mission?

Well, with me having scooped 5,102 votes from four Local Government Elections since 2021, even if the last two polls have been incredibly narrow failures which have naturally drained some confidence, I am firmly of the belief that having skin the game, utilising and highlighting personal experiences and willing to go above and beyond in the service of others, is far better than sitting on the sidelines as some, particularly of other generations have somewhat suggested.

As a 27 year old whose generation has had potential squashed and opportunities reduced; particularly fellow Autistic and Neurodivergent people and those who reside in communities which has been chronic underinvestment, sitting back for me will never been option.

And seeing too, contrary to many narratives and views of some, that many are able to juggle personal lives, alongside their careers, representational responsibilities and other things; I cannot see why that should hinder my aspiration and mission of giving back to the place which I am grateful for opening up all I have done, since becoming a Wulfrunian in 2009.

So after very lengthy and hard fought consideration in the last several months and with processes now underway, I do today confirm it’s my intention to apply to be part of The Labour Party’s approved Panel of Candidates and therefore seek selection for the City of Wolverhampton Council Elections on Thursday May 7th 2026 .

There have been many points which I have come very close to walking away and putting out a statement declining to apply to be on the Panel of Candidates, not least through things which have been stated and which I believe deliberately and by calculation seek to discourage people like me.

I however, as I feel I have shown at many stages in my life, am not one for quitting and with my experiences, growing knowledge and unlimited passion for seeking to be a real change maker and a contributor for the common good, feel that my time to step up that service through Local Government, has duly arrived.

I thus look forward to again seeking to submit myself for even greater service in the coming months and if selected by a Branch, will embrace campaigning in seeking what is right.

And knowing that I have sought to serve others in the past 13 years, I state that why can’t others who have wonky glasses like me, who take a little longer to think stuff through like me and who perhaps need a few more folks to give them a hand, be able to be a change maker too!

I will look forward to updating you all on this and other things down the line, with humility rooted in my heart.

Remarks to West Midlands Labour Party Regional Conference - March 1st 2025

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 15:48:08 GMT

Status of "First Time Delegate, First Time Speaker" obtained!

SATURDAY MARCH 1ST, 2025 - COVENTRY BUILDING SOCIETY ARENA, 15:50PM GMT

Here is my remarks, given to a motion at the West Midlands Labour Party Regional Conference 2025, relating to a Pilot of Automatic Voter Enrolment, at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

West Midlands Labour Party Regional Conference 2025 – 01.03.2025: Speech to Move Motion of Wolverhampton West CLP, on a Pilot of Automatic Voter Enrolment in the West Midlands

Thank you Chair and Conference.

I am Kashmire Hawker from Wolverhampton West CLP, speaking to the motion on a pilot of Automatic Voter Enrolment in the West Midlands and also a first-time delegate and speaker.

Conference: if there’s one obligation of this Labour Government after 14 years of the Conservatives damaging trust in Politics and hitting faith in our democracy, it’s to reshape how politics is done.

As is supported in the Brown Commission report of 2022, Automatic Voter Enrolment would positively contribute to that mission, with research from February 2024 showing that over seven million people are missing from the electoral register.

And our 2024 Manifesto made clear and I quote “To encourage participation in our democracy, Labour will improve voter registration”.

Conference, with the West Midlands the youngest region in Europe and having some of the most diverse communities in the world, we have a chance to step up and as the motion calls for, would be a perfect place for a regional pilot.

This would provide valuable insights and data, for a potential full rollout before the next general election.

Conference, we are all in politics to make a positive mark on the places we live and the people we serve and in upgrading our democracy in this way, we feel, this would do exactly that.

Conference, please support the motion.

Thank you.

ENDS.

Happy New Year! 2024 Review Part 2 and 2025 Look Ahead

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 22:37:10 GMT

A Very Happy New Year! A few more Reflections on 2024 and a 2025 Preview

With another trip round the sun complete, I am much looking ahead to 2025 with renewed optimism.

Indeed, the Festive period feeling more like a normal one for the first time since 2020, where the day felt alright even despite it's natural sadness, on top of seeing Wolverhampton Wanderers be unbeaten for the final 3 games of 2024, in the beginning's of Vitor Pereira's reign has all made for a refreshing and experience, not felt in me or my family for quite some time.

As long reflected, 1,656 votes garnered at the ballot box even in defeat , £415 raised for charity, approx. 398KM ran (cheers Strava for the stats!) including by 3/4 10K's, 33 football matches watched at 8 stadiums, 9 events Volunteered at (being 6 Parkruns, the Formula 1, MotoGP and Champions League Final), 3 gigs attended including 1 by the fearless Taylor Allison Swift , 2 jobs held, 2 Pride marches attended, 1 event co-hosted, 1 priceless photo with The European Cup and a whole lot of other things aside - stated within Christmas Eve's post , has made these 12 months of 2024 utterly bonkers, sometimes rather challenging but yet pretty brilliant.

If this can be all packed in this year, then 2025 being scheduled with 2 Half Marathon's as part of a yet to be determined number of Runs, 5 or 6 Silverstone visits among countless Volunteering moments, a multitude of football games to be seen, a glorious night of Coldplay at Wembley at the end of August, a first visit to Mainland Europe for the Spanish Grand Prix in June since a University visit to Berlin in February 2019, progressing in a job I appreciate everyday and lots more unexpected adventures and things to embrace, will make the next 365 days my Year of Fun, with hopefully less stress, a bit less politics and more enjoyment of all I do.

2025 will also give me a greater opportunity and time to really reflect on what I am involved in and how I shape my activity moving forward. That time will be really beneficial and comes at a moment where I know has good opportunity on the horizon.

It will also allow me to focus on myself as a human being more, with me feeling lower self-confidence in recent years, partly thanks to weight gain, seeing less people and having a small sense of vulnerability in my mind. This is not least on ensuring my inner core and muscles get some love, which isn't just focused on running as much as it has been immensely helpful since September 2022. This makes me much look forward to really using a WV Active membership that is newly brought and ready to go.

No doubt, that focus on the body and mind will undoubted be a strong contributor to both Half Marathon's on May 4th in Birmingham and September 7th in Tyneside, of which full fundraising details for will come in due course.

With all that ahead, I can genuinely say that 2024 has been of more growth, that being through finding a career path that progression routes for are clear, through me being more reflective than I ever have been and cutting out some of that bad blood that has affected the mind.

I feel that these last 12 months have therefore helped to shape my course for years to come and makes me approach the next 365 days with greater force and pleasure than for the last 366 days.

I wish all and your family's a very Happy, Healthy and prosperous New Year, and in the song title of a certain superstar: I am most certainly Ready For It !

Season's Greetings and some 2024 Reflections

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 22:02:28 GMT

As 2024 comes toward an end, I can say that this year for me has been one of change, one of further development and one of opening my eyes in many ways.

In typing this reflection, I feel immensely satisfied and proud to have made this year my first in a full-time job without a fixed end date, in an organisation of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has plenty of opportunities for me to consider in the coming months and years and working within in an outstanding team.

I also feel hugely delighted at continuing to give my time in voluntary service, not least through Parkrun, Silverstone and in the perhaps once in a generation Champions League Final at Wembley in the Summer, as well as raise £405, in two events of the Great Birmingham Run of £130 for Cure Leukemia and £275 at the Molineux Sleepout for Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and The Good Shepherd.

On top, to have again sought office to serve my home city for a fourth year running and garnered 1,656 votes (even if not a winning total!), as well as contributed to successful wider political campaigning for my party’s and substantially expanded on my engagement in them gave me a privilege and deeper fire in the belly than ever before, in giving back to Wulfrunians.

Finally, many more runs, seeing Taylor Swift, Kaiser Chiefs and The Darkness in concert, plus a sublime Musical about the pop heroes in Steps, marching at two Pride events, continuing engagement with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Solutions for the Planet and Changing Our Lives and completing a fantastic personal development programme on getting younger folk as Trustees in Arts and Cultural organisations, have all formed part of another busy 12 months.

Naturally however, losing an Election and your best furry friend in my house’s dog Harley, alongside needing to help move my Mum to a safer place, all in the space of 7 weeks stung greatly in May and June. The death of a beloved dog and family member and Mum’s house move were not easy financially to deal with, but I managed it as has been the case with previous years.

This year has also meant some greatly more honest and blunt conversations, which have burnt a few bridges with once seen trustworthy allies and pals. Being straight and upfront however is sometimes the best course and I don’t regret that for one moment, not least when the mind is burdened enough with day-to-day activity.

Those things have definitely made me really realised that the world is a big and lonely place, and that sense of loneliness continues to affect my thoughts.

This no doubt feels true and always will do at Christmas, with December 25th being the anniversary of Kieran’s passing in 2021 aged just 25 and I frankly will never know how to truly feel on the day itself. Knowing he is not here to share Christmas lunch will always put a size 9 boot dent in my heart.

Having said that, I have good people around me and I give my wholehearted thanks to all for your continued support and good wishes, at what will forever be a sensitive and mournful point of the year, in my family’s life.

In whatever way which you and your family mark this festive and new year period, I hope it is as enjoyable and peaceful as it possibly can be and that it gives a chance to rest and be with those closest to you, as well as embrace it being the season of giving, whether gifts or love.

A further blog post, or two, on reflecting 2024 and looking ahead to 2025 shall come before the clock hits midnight next Wednesday.

Co-operative Party Youth Network Election 2024 - Candidate Statement

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:55:09 GMT

My Candidate Statement for the Co-operative Party Youth Network Committee Election. Polls Close on 6th January!

The Co-operative Party has been a natural home for me for towards five years and gives me a brilliant platform to shout about and run on critical issues.

As Chair of the Walsall, Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire, Branch and as a Labour and Co-operative candidate in Local Elections in my home City of Wolverhampton since 2021, I’m proud to make an impact and with the party’s immense expansion over the years, I would be honoured to play a bigger part.

And as someone with experience in Youth Representation – most recently with the West Midlands Young Combined Authority and Labour Party wise as the current Policy and Political Education Officer for the Wolverhampton West CLP, I feel ready to use that skill set to the full.

Thus, if Elected as a Youth Committee Member, I will:

Help to establish a WM Young Co-operative Youth Network spread right across my region, which is not just stuck within the Metropolitan centre;
Work with Labour groups across my region, for them to Elect a Co-operative Rep on to their committee s;
Engage with our friends In Trade Unions, Fabians Society and The Labour Party to run joint events; whether campaigning, educational or socially;
Work with colleagues to ensure events are accessible as possible, not least for Neurodiverse people ;
Join Young Co-operators up and down the nation in campaignin g;
And be Accountable and Transparent in my work as per the Nolan Principles, so fellow Members can question me at any moment .

We have a wonderful opportunity to shape the Party’s future and with a Labour and Co-operative Government now in place, it would be a huge privilege for myself to play a part.

Please vote Kashmire Hawker for Youth Committee.

Thank You!

Wolverhampton Wanderers: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 15:58:34 GMT

Here's a rant, knowing of the status of my Football Club, whose future is in deep danger...

It’s beyond clear that Wolverhampton Wanderers are a club whose futures lingers in serious jeopardy, thanks to tactical stupidity, owners’ interest who have totally wavered since 2020 and some entitled fans who are not fearless enough to say the words “Enough is Enough.”

Enough is enough, knowing of the way that Gary O’Neil’s side have conceded 21 goals in just 7 games and seen us pick up just 1 point in this opening period, which leaves us rock bottom of the table, caused in significant part for not replacing Max Kilman upon his departure.

Enough is enough, with how tight the purchase strings have become due to owners who clearly see us a pawn in there ever-growing debt-ridden organisation, in a country whose restrictions are led by its Government.

Enough is enough, when having to pay an outrageous £835 for 19 Premier League games this season, caused by the solo decision of a Chairman whose sole aim is to milk supporters who are seeing a side whose underperforming hideously

Enough is enough, in knowing that Wolves Women have been left behind in terms of investment and has thus meant many missed opportunities to take what is a brilliant side to the next level and fighting to get into the Women’s Championship.

Enough is enough, seeing that it took the rightful shouting of ordinary fans, just to get several hundred thousands of pounds worth of paint be ordered, to help make Molineux a lot less rusty than it the place has become.

Enough is enough, when plans to redevelop Molineux and make it fit for the 21 ^st century have become dusty on a shelf again, and again and again.

And enough REALLY is enough, when the Wolves 1877 Supporter’s Trust, whose actual membership sits at a pathetic and utterly poultry 1.5% approx. of Season Ticket Holders, deems themselves as the true and authentic voice of a fan base of many millions across the world and seeks to take all the credit for things done whilst other groups and stakeholders have been around the table.

All of this has meant our Premier League status being at serious risk, crumbling infrastructure in all regards and some self-entitled minority being in Board positions and not shouting for the action that is desperately needed.

This means urgent action to understand including the following:

For Wolves to replace Gary O’Neil as Men’s Head Coach immediately with only 1 win in 19 League games and go all out to find a top-quality coach, no matter the financial cost in order to seek to preserve our top-flight status;
The DCMS Secretary Lisa Nandy MP investigating the influence that the Chinese Government is having is on Fosun International in terms of its every limited investment, for which I will write to her on in due course;
For Fosun to consider any offer for the change of Wolverhampton Wanderers ownership, if it would enable that fresh leadership and new investment;
For Guo Guangchang immediately to dismiss Jeff Shi as Chairman of the club and for the club to appoint a Director of Football, who can give the relevant experience and expertise in the operations of a sports organisation;
For the club to give an urgent indication on when they’ll properly invest in Wolves Women and outline such a plan, in order to give them every chance for a determined and gritty side to progress further up the pyramid;
For Wolves, City of Wolverhampton Council, Fosun, University of Wolverhampton and other partners to convene a Molineux Quarter Transformation Corporation, in similar fashion to the planned Old Trafford redevelopment so progress can be made on giving our famous stadium the modernisation is crying out for;
And for Wolves 1877 Supporters’ Trust to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting as soon as possible, which is widely publicised through all channels and gets the engagement as many fans as possible, to enable such matters to be discussed and to initiate a fresh vote on who leads the body, so that they can be far more fearless and restless in stating truthful views of supporters’ and thus work constructively with Wolves to allow that badly needed change to happen, instead of the near radio silence, warm words and wholly phrases as stated through its 3 years of history to date.

This a position which our club and ordinary hard-working fans, from a city and community whose contribution to our nation has been immense, SHOULD NEVER have got into.

I hope everyone who cares about such a historic institution is very blunt and utterly unbecoming, in stating Enough is Enough, so that this ever-increasing uncertainty, instability and incompetence is washed aside and that a new era can soon begin.

And I will play whatever role it so takes in this hugely important endeavour.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: My Party Political Engagement in Short and Medium Term

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 19:43:23 GMT

An update on my party political engagement and electioneering moving forward.

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Here’s to Chapter 28 (turning 27)!

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 19:44:28 GMT

As another Birthday comes around, here's a few reflections.

Just like Lewis Hamilton steaming down the Hangar Straight at Silverstone, on a glorious 52 ^nd and last lap to win his 9 ^th Formula 1 British Grand Prix on Sunday July 7 ^th , these past 12 months have really gone in a blur.

It has been a year that I feel wholly satisfied about, even despite one or two moments that have naturally tensed me up and tested my mind.

Losing an Election so narrowly (again), it taking several months for myself to nail down a permanent job, assisting my Mum in more ways than one, saying farewell to your best and much beloved furry friend after nearly 12 years and having a genuine sense of loneliness much of the time, illustrates the rocks one has had to climb and overcome that has on many occasion left me saddened, financially strained and mentally drained.

It would be wrong not to be upfront and honest about the above, knowing the impact which such events have had on my motivation and feelings in many a form; not least with how I feel that I have a real lack of intensely close friendships. This is something I intend to work on in the coming period, not least with the immense number of mates which I have both in and out of professional settings.

On the flip side of the coin, going from a contractor to a full-time employee in my work place in which saw me sweep through my Probation period without any doubts, contributing to several winning Election campaigns for many fine individuals, becoming an even greater runner; to the extent where a Half Marathon is in reach, as well as raising £475 for 3 charities in 2 big events, seeing Wolves knock on the door of another trip to Wembley including through that Round 3 win just down the road, volunteering at Silverstone twice and outside Wembley for the Champions League Final and of course witnessing Taylor Swift so breathtakingly do her thing 4 weeks ago under the arch , has given me highlights to cherish for many a year.

When thinking about it all, it has all meant one extraordinarily busy 12 months which even despite it being a partially bumpy ride has certainly kept me stimulated and I give my thanks to everyone whose played a part, including family, my colleagues, political allies and those from within the organisations I am linked in with.

As I celebrate today with a bit of cake, I look ahead to the coming 365 days with determination, vigour and a sense that I can achieve even more, develop further in my career and in my persona. For all that, as well as that I will have my first trip back to Europe next June for the Spanish Grand Prix since February 2019, makes me rather excited.

A further blog post on political aspirations and plan will come in the coming days and the only other words I need to say: Happy Birthday, to me!

The Eras Tour: A Night that left me Bejeweled!

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:38:12 GMT

A special blog post, in reflecting upon seeing one of the greatest artists of our times on August 19 ^th !

It was last Autumn, when I simply put on my Insta story that it would be kind of nice if someone would be able to nab me a ticket for one of the extra five gigs, which were joyfully announced after the first three for June 2024 sold out in minutes.

The joys of knowing lots of folks, particularly in politics meant that is very quickly became a reality and thus is why, with one of the best memories of my lifetime now banked - able to write this post, that saw these top bits be written the afternoon beforehand, in a Costa Coffee (other Roasteries are of course available) above Birmingham New Street.

In warming up for proceedings, I visited the friend in question for an overnighter, having spent the Saturday night (August 17 ^th ) in catching up and making the important but crafty things in Friendship Bracelets. Little did I know how much of a phenomenon they have become in recent years and how sentimental they have become for Swifties everywhere.

Along with one showing my Birth Date – which I thought is something I can dig out at least once a year, I went with three track titles that have been featured in Taylor’s tour playlist in Anti-Hero; a song that is very good for pumping the KM’s whilst running, Don’t Blame Me; which feels a good and standard line when things go pear-shaped; and Wildest Dreams, which from start to finish is simply peerless.

Also watching the video of her second tour from 2012, which undoubtedly hoisted her into global superstardom was a nice way to warm up the vocals and see the scale of what was in store 48 hours later.

Skipping to the day itself, it started with an Online Group Interview for the West Midlands Future Board’s Accelerator that I took in a Coffee Shop in Brum, which will look to increase the number of younger folks on Boards and being Trustees of Cultural organisations throughout our region. Things went fine, even if no doubt green envy was etched on others faces when informing folks of my eventual location later that day.

Once arriving at London Euston, it was a short trip to check in at The Queen’s Hostel in White City, which with a 7.1 Rating on Booking.com was a breathtaking £19.80 for a one-night stay. For a sole evening, it did the job nicely and the tube working fine meant it was no problem that my accommodation was several miles away, from the microcosm of being among 92,000 under the arch of one of the world’s most spectacular venues.

When getting to Wembley and meeting up with my pal and her two good mates inside BOXPARK, you could see and feel the most real sense of friendliness and excitement etched across everyone’s faces. This no doubt increased upon turnstiles opening just after 4pm and for me, heading into the stadium bowl, to soon bear witness to my first non-football event and seeing the set from Block 550 made me almost pinch myself, in seeing the sheer scale of the place.

The two support artists were a tremendous warm-up. Maisie Peters no doubt will herself in time sellout Wembley, with her uplifting and trendy beat that effortlessly connects with my generation. And Paramore belting out tunes like Still Into You, will always go down a treat wherever you are, knowing how superb they have been to music and culture over the last near two decades.

And between 18:47-22:07, was the main event for a 3 hour, 20 minutes of a most enthralling kind. 14 costumes, 9 eras, 4 gripping surprise songs and 1 ecstatic crowd embraced one another which only music and its meanings can possibly do.

Belting out the high tempo tracks; not least Shake It Off which saw me put in the most effort I have ever done at a gig, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together and You Need To Calm Down to name a few, filled me a sense of unbridled euphoria. The likes of Ready for It, Willow and Anti-Hero; of which had my eyeballs fill up knowing it’s a story of needing to have self-belief; delivered a sense of empowerment and immense emotion which gripped us all.

The surprise songs in the Acoustic section, including Change for the first time on the tour, sent a quite simply peerless message and warning shot to those back in the United States who seek to put their freedoms under threat. No doubt the Harris-Walz Campaign will push this narrative in an even greater form as November 5 ^th approaches.

Change was my political party’s slogan for the General Election last and thus the track simply resonates with all of us who want to advance the places we live within. My eyeballs welted somewhat, and my mate was in tears, with it a big song of motivation in their personal electoral endeavours over the last few years and I will no doubt make it a huge source of personal belief to me, whenever I decide to again take the plunge in seeking a mandate.

A wonderful aspect of the night was the stunning diversity of colour right throughout the show. The dark nature of Reputation majestically shows the album’s edgy nature, whilst 1989 having shades of blue and white tell a fabulous story of enjoyment and not being afraid in stating how it is.

The icing on top of the cake had to be after her singing Champagne Problems, of which was ironically done after a bit of rain saw Taylor declare it a wet show. Post her performance, all of Wembley created probably the loudest noise that I have ever personally encountered. A spontaneous applause, cheering, and screaming for a good 4 minutes straight will forever be a moment to remember and saviour and proved how awesome and humbling that the power of song can truly be.

With my ears still ringing as I typed the end bit of this blog post a Coffee at Euston Station, I without hesitation say that August 19 ^th , 2024, will go down as one the finest nights of my entire life; no matter how long I am alive and kicking. Taylor’s story, journey and music is embedded in the hearts of many across every nation of the globe and very much fits into a lot of what I have personally been through.

This I am sure is the first of many times in the coming decades, that I will get to see such a Queen doing her art and I hope that the West Midlands will again come calling, in whatever stadium they maybe. And I am sure I will visit Wembley for many more gigs too. The place as a concert venue alongside the national football stadium nails it to a T.

I no doubt witnessed one of the finest of our times so blissfully and magnificently grace one of the world’s biggest stages and with her only 34 years of age, much of Taylor’s legacy is yet to be put into place.

That in itself is what made it such a unique privilege and a moment which one will cherish, feeling utterly and completely Bejeweled!

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Far-Right Action in the UK

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 21:40:16 GMT

Next Thursday, August 15 ^th marks 15 years since me and my family moved to my Mum’s birth place of Wolverhampton – a place which is one of the most multicultural, diverse and open anywhere in the world.

We moved to Wolves from Great Malvern in Worcestershire, because of consistent racial abuse from some neighbours in our cul-de-sac and in that near decade and a half, I’d thought we’d seen the back of such hatred.

I have to say that such action across the nation in the last 9 days, in the aftermath of the terrible events in Southport, has put me on edge and has seen me go around in caution, knowing how the aftermath of the loss of three innocent children, has inexcusably mobilised the far right and place many millions in fear.

As a proud British Asian, born in Worcester and with a mix of Worcestershire, Black Country and Yorkshire in the accent (University resulting in the last of those), I am not afraid to say that such cowardice, such racism and specifically such islamophobia which Muslims have been subject to is a deliberate, calculated and concerted campaign, to blame most things on a certain and specific section of our society.

It is incomprehensible that this is the case in modern day Britain and many who perpetrate for such abuse, seriously need a long history lesson of the way that folks of different cultures and backgrounds have been of a wonderfully positive impact to our nation – not least our incredible Olympians who’ve as of this posting have got 49 medals at Paris 2024.

I hope the book gets thrown at all those who have been involved in such dreadful acts and I welcome the quick nature that arrests, charges and convictions are being made and that in a number of instances, maybe subject to charges under anti-terror laws.

My thoughts are with everyone involved in last Monday’s dreadful act in Southport – not least the families of those who died and were injured and others up and down the nation, whose businesses and lives have been affected by thuggery and racial abuse not seen in a generation.

Enough really is enough and once this subsides and those responsible are brought to justice, I hope there is and will be an immediate national reset towards the way folks are treated, knowing of the vilification that has bubbled under the surface for decades and which in a shocking way has seeked to turn our nation upside down.

STATEMENT: Wolves Season Ticket Prices

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:17:22 GMT

A Response to the Announcement following yesterday's Fan Advisory Board Meeting.

I welcome the statement issued jointly today by Wolverhampton Wanderers and the club’s Fan Advisory Board, following a meeting yesterday which has seen a number of positive and significant commitments be made after the Season Ticket Price increase announcement on 23rd May.

Wolves has always been a club, with values of family and community right at its heart. These were undoubtedly undermined and severely damaged by the club’s hierarchy a fortnight ago and I am glad to see those in power to have reflected and responded to the Fan Advisory Board in a constructive way.

This is nothing that every Wolves fan least deserves, with us stagnating on the pitch for the both Men’s and Women’s through a lack of investment, alongside having a tired looking Molineux Stadium and there collective difficulties in progressing many of the important parts of the Equality agenda, which I and my colleagues on the Equality Advisory Group have been working on with dedication.

I hope that this was a moment which Jeff Shi and his team will continue to reflect deeply, on what was originally a catastrophic misjudgment through a formal apology, of which disappointingly hasn’t come forth in today’s communication.

I am hopeful that will come in time and what this two weeks has shown, is the power of fans collective power, against those with vested interests. I am still of the belief however, that it would be beneficial for all concerned if Mr Shi immediately stepped down as Chairman, of which allows Wolves to move forward afresh after 8 years of his leadership.

I give firm appreciation to everyone on the FAB for there work and in particular, to Lyndsey Harris-Stephenson as EAG Chair and Dan Warren as Wolves 1877 Supporters’ Trust Chair for all they have done.

As a result of the commitments made by the club - not least including a Freeze on Adult Prices for 2025/2026, a Reversal on Under 14 increases and a Fan Engaged Review of Junior Prices, I have today renewed my Season Ticket and look forward to discussing the future of fan representation at Wolves, with EAG colleagues and others in the coming weeks.

I have been proud and humbled to be a small part of speaking up for other fans and be a visible presence at events, not least the Pride Marches, which includes here in Wolverhampton again this coming Saturday. I will seek to increase that involvement as time goes on and do so as a greater critical friend.

Let’s hope that these events was just a once off and that our proud club, never again drags itself towards disconnecting with a fanbase, who lives and breaths of the DNA of an institution and city - which has an historic past and through the power of Wolves, a progressive future.

2024 Aims and Aspirations

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 20:20:59 GMT

Happy New Year! A post on my hopes for A BIG period now here.

An Instagram message, recieved after the bongs of Big Ben sounded to mark Midnight and the year of two thousand and twenty four simply stating "Big year ahead!" , perfectly sums up my feelings as January 1st comes to a conclusion.

2024 for me is an important one, knowing of the opportunities which exist and the annoyances which lurk and thus I thought I'd do a bit more of a personal post on what my aims and aspirations are for.

This is not least on the job front, where I feel I am at a stage where I wish to seek long term stability and have opportunities to progress.

I can certainly say that just over 10 months in, the West Midlands Combined Authority has those pathways and I can see that through my role on Commonwealth Games Legacy. I have no doubt too, that I've been helped and encouraged, through some absolutely mighty colleagues who are among the region's best people and makes it an organisation where I can forsee a long future within.

Having that employment security also would help financially and that isn't just for me.

Still being the only one in my immediate family who earns a living has meant a big effort on my part in the last few years, to give my Mum and Younger Brother a hand as we've encountered change on a breathtaking scale. Losing Kieran and two seperate house moves in 2 1/2 months and more besides has made it a bit tricky, so a permance of work for me would no doubt be immensely helpful.

It does feel good that I am contributing - not least with a new Sofa from a well known place almost paid for, but I would also like my first real chance to save and save substanially moving forward and will strive for that, as well as have a trip in Europe somewhere for a few days. With me last having been on the mainland in February 2019, I think I deserve it!

Another major thing I aim to get better at is my phyiscal activity. I may enjoy my running massively, I know what I eat usually isn't the best, which I suspect has made my weight rise somewhat in the last little while and I feel has knocked back such confidence when looking in the mirror.

Thus getting a Gym Membership and sticking to it, which seeks to turn some fat into muscle as well as running even more than just the odd 10K and weekly Parkrun will be critical. I suppose doing Wolverhampton Parkrun's New Year's Day special this morning in my quickest 5K time since August is a good start on that road!

I also have devised a list of 10K's throughout the year; the first of which will most likely be Wolverhampton on March 24th, which euphorically for me starts and finishes at Molineux. Feel free to send me any suggestions you may have.

Of course too, I cannot write this post without mentioning four months tomorrow and my 4th crack at winning a City Council Election. From the first sessions on the doors - in Mid-November, Early December and just last Friday have been encouraging and thus given me a good sense of what to fight for in my campaign in Penn on top of the belief that residents want change.

There is a feeling of uncertainty in the air, but I know that's where positive pursasion must and will come into play, both locally and nationally.

Just 'slagging off' one's political opponents for cheap points won't cut it in this day and age and I won't do that towards whoever my opposition on the ballot paper ends up being.

And from hearing of lots people's issues, I will very much shout about them between now and close of polls on May 2nd, in what a seat and ward that Labour have to win to prove that the party can then do what was deemed as utterly unthinkable just four years ago, whenever the General Election takes place.

For other bits in life generally, transforming my bedroom into a mega comfy place, refreshing my clothing - of which there is a lot and certainly isn't in a wardrobe and some more travelling around the nation (including camping at Silverstone for three or four Race Maker weekends) and the continent will be sought. Perhaps the last bit could be seriously enhanced, if Wolves carry on there excellent form!

Finally, perhaps one other to look at when possible is finding a life partner. My Mum during last year was fairly modest in stating "I hope you can get on with it please. I would like Grandkids someday!" and I have to admit that it send a small shiver down the spine with me over 4 years a singleton aged 26.

As they say Mother, "when it happens, it happens" so I can't promise I will be lucky this year, but I am sure you'll be even more delighted if it does.

I hope all have enjoyed the much needed festive break and you can expect a lot of more from me here (knowing I left this place for dust during 2023), over the coming 12 months.

2023 Reflections

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 20:57:53 GMT

In writing this several hours after seeing another tremendous win by Wolverhampton Wanderers, at a jubilant Molineux against a lacklustre Chelsea on a mild Christmas Eve, I feel rather lucky and humbled about how 2023 has transpired.

Even if the year began being a job-seeker, I realised more than ever that resilience is a virtue of a special kind and boy, I’ve definitely needed it at some moments during these last 12 months. That period out of work, the most agonising of Election defeats, elements of family life and even those first two 10K’s I did all meant needing to go into those deeper depths.

It can’t be a bad thing to admit that, with the fact there the positives and fun bits outweighed it, not least through a visit to a Royal Garden aged 25, getting 1,550 residents of Penn to support me in seeking to serve them, as well helping on a successful nationally talked about By-Election campaign in Tamworth, as well as a big work project getting a Parliamentary shoutout in November, me doing a run nearly every week of the year (including the Birmingham and Worcester 10K’s), commencement of making my house a home, the paying off of what was my Student Overdraft and two fine visits to Silverstone in giving voluntary service to The Home of Motorsport.

And in seeing 27 football matches, including a return to Wembley for a poetic ending to Women’s Finalissima, ticking off 5 new stadiums which one was the Aviva Stadium in Dublin thanks to a fantastic one day visit at the end of July and the Wolves beating 3 of the so-called “Big 6” in 12 weeks certainly added to the mix.

It's a 12 months to look back on and see that both figuratively in my subject matter and strength that I’ve grown in my skillset, my belief and determination. Even despite unemployment at it’s start, my 5 months off between October 2022 and end of February 2023 was a nice pausing point after a near breathless couple of years on the Commonwealth Games.

Still playing a part on that and specifically it’s Legacy is a honour that I will forever share pride about, knowing the opportunity which the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund will much spread across the West Midlands.

I want to thank everyone, across all organisations I’m encountered with and all friends and family for there support and encouragement throughout 2023. You’ve helped make it what is became and for it I’m beyond grateful.

On a general perspective, I feel privileged that with my Mum and Younger Brother come sometime mid-afternoon on Christmas Day, that we will tuck into a Beef and Gammon roast with the usual trimmings - knowing this won’t be the case for many up and down our land. The continued Cost of Living pressures should be a source of international shame, that many in the population in the 6 ^th Biggest Nation on Earth can’t afford even the essentials for the place they live within.

Thus whilst I eat, I will very much think about everyone who just needs a hand and I hope you do to, so the least well off can genuinely feel that others are willing and wishing to help. Event’s like the Molineux Sleepout, which since 2019 has been transformative for many in Wolverhampton are imperative to giving such support, but shows how unjust our nation’s structures are in supposedly looking after our own.

If you are able, please do give a donation to my Molineux Sleepout fundraiser , which after proceedings in November stood at a fantastic £345. All money goes to the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and The Good Shepherd and close on Sunday December 31 ^st .

Giving back is what I will look more towards in 2024 – whether politically, through such annual fundraising events like the Sleepout Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life and much more besides, knowing there is a hell of a lot to fight for in the coming year ahead.

I’ll no doubt say more on that in due stead and in wishing everyone who reads this a Very Merry and Peaceful Christmas and New Year, I naturally dedicate this to Kieran who we lost on Christmas Day 2021.

The two years without him have proved a rocky road at some points and seeing his life end on what should be the happiest day of every year forever feels heavy, but I am sure you will be looking at me and much of the rest of the family from above with immense pride.

His loss turned our family’s life upside down and inside out for a lot of 2022, but we are glad he is in peace and that our many memories of him are reflected on with joy.

Always be at rest, Brother, in that little waterfall in the tranquillity of Great Malvern and your humanhood, love and decency is never, ever forgotten.

Community’s in Unison - A Great Few Weeks!

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 07:11:44 GMT

After another humbling night at Molineux, some few thoughts on an excellent few weeks.

With me writing this, just after competing my 3 ^rd consecutive Molineux Sleepout on a wet night and with many a thought running through the mind, I’d thought I’d write this blog post as a mean of saying to the world I am both busy and that the last few weeks in particular have been excellent.

Firstly, with nearly £32.4k raised as of 6am this morning and over 150 in attendance, this year’s Sleepout has once more shown the truly extraordinary and utterly incredible power of community, of humanity and of a sport like football which ties both those things together.

I’d managed around 3 ½ hours despite the expected constant rain, but these conditions so pointedly show why it’s unforgivable in this, the sixth richest nation on earth: that there are many folks on the breadline or sleeping rough.

In a city with rich diversity, it shames me that we have one of the nation’s highest poverty rates and that’s where events like this and the year around work of the Wolves Foundation and The Good Shepherd come into its own.

To raise another £310 and £1,315 for the last 3 Sleepouts (as of publication) is humbling beyond words and I and no doubt folks at both organisations are extremely grateful. The fundraiser, the link which is here and on the home page is open until December 31 ^st so if you are able, give what you can.

On the theme of Community and giving opportunity, I am extremely delighted that over 8 months of work at the West Midlands Combined Authority came to partial fruition on November 6 ^th , with the launch of The Inclusive Communities Fund; a £9 Million pot from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund which aims to reach people and places right throughout the region.

The interest is enormous and within 10 days received a mention in DCMS Questions in the Commons on Thursday by Alridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Norton, who by sheer co-incidence also attended the Cllr Awards at The Guildhall on Thursday and thus meant a personal thanks from the team.

Knowing it all started by having to pull together a Programme Business Case within 4 weeks in March, has made me do a few fist pumps in the last fortnight knowing that the biggest element of Legacy Funding is now live and I would of course encourage any organisation who fits the criteria to apply. Please see https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/icfund/ for all the details and I am excited in advance of seeing these projects come to life!

I also must mention how fantastic it was to attend the 10 ^th Anniversary Celebration of Silverstone’s Race Makers programme at The Wing last Saturday. Over 800 proudly wear the Pink and Blue in giving The Home of Motorsport a hand and that number alone really does illustrate the power of giving back and such recognition is warranted in every sense. Bring on the 2024 season and hopefully at least 3 visits to a place which grows even more into the heart.

Of course too, it would be odd not to mention how determined I am to correct the record of May’s ultimate near political miss, with my campaign in Penn now underway.

A good session was held last Sunday afternoon (despite my slightly weary eyed post being on the Silverstone dance floor till late!) and I can already see that many folks, including those who voted Conservative in May are very much open about the next X in the Ballot Box, at both the Local and General Election; whenever the latter ends up being. Further updates from me about the campaign shall come in due course.

Finally and as earlier mentioned, I had the privilege of being in the Square Mile for the LGIU’s and CLLA’s annual Cllr Awards at the beautiful Guildhall two days ago, celebrating all that is good about Local Government and the people who serve within it.

Even if my good friend and City of Wolverhampton Councillor Chris Burden was again shortlisted for a third year (despite not winning), makes me hugely proud to know such a man and even more determined to join those who make such a stellar difference to there communities and champion residents causes.

Seeing this and the UK Youth Parliament’s thirteenth Annual Sitting in the Commons yesterday , shows that with the right people playing their part in serving others, the future will be far better and see far more achieved than the political posturing and cheap point scoring which dominates our world now.

Everyone should take a second and realise our problems are far too great to faff around and actually get stuck in. That is what participation is about and through a day like today and over the last few weeks, makes me very lucky to be the active citizen I forever intend to be.

Young Fabians Executive Committee Election 2023

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:10:28 GMT

My Candidate's Statement, for YF Exec Committee's Election. Voting closes on October 13th!

It would be a tremendous honour to serve on Young Fabians Executive Committee and play my part in an immense organisation.

As West Midlands YF Chair in 2023, I’ve got activity resumed with a social in March and an event with Labour’s Mayoral Candidate on Devolution and Transport and have worked creatively with members across the UK.

As a proud BAME Autistic Mid 20’s man, I want to ensure our work reflects YF’s amazing diversity and which are accessible to everyone – not least our range of socials, which should be much more varied than they sometimes are, both in nature and location.

And in being a Labour Election candidate since 2021, having worked in Culture, Sport, Retail and Major Events and having a big passion on ensuring Disabled people can live the best possible life, I will bring that experience and passion whether through pamphlets, campaigning and co-produced events.

Finally, I will work tirelessly to help get WM Fabians back up and running, knowing Labour won’t reach Government if our ideas and energy don’t win here.

See more about me at https://www.kashmirehawker.com/ and please Vote Kashmire Hawker for Executive.

I would beyond humbled to help out!

Viva Chapter 27!

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 21:01:29 GMT

Another Birthday comes around and means a return to getting posts back here! Thanks for the support.

On this annual post in marking another year successfully navigated around the sun and on this Saturday hitting the age of 26, I firstly give my apologies for almost leaving this website to turn to dust.

2023 has been a year where despite its opening two months being of a relatively empty fashion, has since the end of February been one incredibly busy period. A big element naturally was that of me getting 1,550 residents of Penn in voting for my name and putting me just 46 off becoming a custodian of this city which has given me so much.

Despite that defeat, the following few days of volunteering at Parkrun, seeing Wolves beat the Villa at a rainy Coronation Day fixture at Molineux, running my first 10K in Birmingham and then being at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace certainly washed away the immediate senses of disappointment.

It feels extremely coincidental that like those few days, that I am volunteering this morning at Wolverhampton Parkrun, prior to seeing another Wolves Molineux fixture at Lunchtime and tomorrow doing my second 10K; this one in my birth city of Worcester, which also all comes at the same point of Selections for May 2 ^nd 2024’s electoral shenanigans have commenced.

At least on the employment front, that since February 27 ^th I have with immense humility and pleasure been part of a small and truly mighty team at the West Midlands Combined Authority, whose helped to get the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund off the ground and into action. It’s quite literally been a marathon, but through the opportunity which the region has shall be of huge significance and shall open the doors to many folks, not least what me and many others call 'unusual suspects' across sport, culture and wellbeing.

The job has also put me into a much strong financial footing and has enabled me to also finally pay back my Student Overdraft which really has made me delighted and eliminates a big financial noose which has been around the neck since the experience of my studies at Sheffield Hallam.

As I begin Chapter 27, I want this coming 12 months which I continue in the same vein in growing my career, hopefully being elected come May and one where I discover about my true authentic self.

A big thanks to everyone whose been as supportive as ever during the last year and if there’s one promise I will certainly fulfil: that is to get more regular posts on here. Who wouldn’t want to fully discover about my tent horror when volunteering at the MotoGP at Silverstone!

Cheers in advance for your kind wishes for today and to all those at each organisation I am linked to, for giving me such wonderful platforms to stand upon and if the men in The Old Gold and Black can beat Liverpool, it would give me one almightily fine present.

P.S: for all Young Fabians member’s viewing this, it would be humbling if you can vote me to be on Executive Committee, with voting now open until October 13 ^th . See your email inbox for the link to cast your ballot! ��

STATEMENT: Result of Election of Councillors, to serve on City of Wolverhampton Council for Penn Ward

Fri, 05 May 2023 20:20:53 GMT

I am utterly gutted, to have come just 46 votes away, from being Elected a member of City of Wolverhampton Council for the ward of Penn.

I of course give my warm congratulations and best personal wishes, to Celia Hibbert, Stephanie Haynes and Paul Singh on there Re-Elections; not least to Paul of who now begins what will be a one year term.

I want to thank everyone in the Labour team across the City - not least my agent Henry Parry whose first Election helped signficiantly contribute towards our partal success with Celia topping the poll.

And most of all, I want to thank the 1,550 residents of Penn for placing there trust in me yesterday. It is a truly humbling feeling to have gained such support, but to be blunt I am heartbroken that it wasn't enough to be there champion in the Council Chamber.

For the record and for information, I declined the option of a recount or partal retallying, as a result of the length of time this would have taken - particuarly for the outstanding Counting team who spared a day to support our democratic processes and with 46 votes being a substanial enough tally not to be overturned.

I will have much more to say about my campaign in Penn, my views on a hugely encourging set of Elections for my party and my thinking for May 2nd 2024, when I feel ready in the coming few weeks after such a narrow loss which has almost litterally kung-fu kicked me in the gut.

But in the words of the wonderful Jacqui Smith, after her defeat in Redditch at the 2010 General Election: "It's a good thing in politics, to take part in an election where you fear you're going to lose, but you hope you're going to win."

Such a quote sums up my overriding feeling and with it, I again give congratulations to the Councillors on there Re-Election and my wholehearted thanks to the 1,550 residents of Penn who wanted me to serve them.

For that, I am forever grateful.

2022 - It's Been A Blast!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:10:25 GMT

A few thoughts, as this most EXTRAORDINARY year concludes

Despite now 3 months Unemployment - of which I aim to put right as soon as possible in 2023, my 2022 ends with deeply filled gratitude and pride at the 365 days which has come to a close, as stated below here and through this Instagram video .

Starting the year with the deepest sorrow possible after Kieran's loss, made me wonder how I would try and both concentrate and enjoy the challenges and opportunities ahead.

A challenge it certainly was and to be blunt: still very much is, in grief and personal change; not least through moving address after nearly 9 1/2 years on top of losing a loved one and the huge strain both things have placed on me and my Mother financially - an aspect which will sadly continue until a new Wage Packet is drawn.

Those three things have certainly affect my mindset right throughout this year and has naturally made many days feel long and upsetting. I wish for this not to be the case, knowing three months out of work has both bored me and made me a saddened man. Those post-Games blues have certainly struck.

Having said all that: the amount of positives one has banked and look upon throughout is enourmous, not least through the growth, the opportunities and friendship right throughout.

Without question, being part of Birmingham 2022 , which included meeting His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex , speaking in front of 1,200 people at Symphony Hall in launching the B2022 Festival , achieving an Apprenticeship alongside the role, play my part in a truly groundbreaking project in Critical Mass 2022 , working with and becoming life-long friends with the most extraordinary set of people and at one point wearing three bits of accreditation during the barminess of Games Time: is my ultimate memory I can shout about with the greatest pleasure of everything done this year.

Birmingham and the West Midlands won't ever see anything like it for a generation and it thus makes me gleam seeing 5 former OC colleagues and 2 Board members be recognised in the 2023 New Year Honour's List , including the Director for Ceremonies, Culture and Queen's Baton Relay Phil Batty whose awarded an OBE for Services to Culture and Sport and fellow younger OC staff member in Bethan Stimpson, whose awarded a British Empire Medal for her stellar work on the Gen22 programme! It couldn't be more deserved and fitting accolades.

On top of the Euphoria of the Games, I took the next step on the road to serving Wulfrunians, with me giving the Conservatives AN ALMIGHTY SCARE in Tettenhall Regis on May 5th and ending my 3 year spell on the Young Combined Authority , which has been a mega important stepping stone in that journey. 2023's campaign in Penn is about to get into gear and I'm truly excited at it's possibilities for me and my Wolverhampton Labour colleagues, not least through West Midlands Young Labour's return in October and my involvement as Co-Black Country Representative.

Also on the list of things of shouting about was the Changing Our Lives book in Colour Between The Lines , being the 3rd publication I've been part of in 6 years and knowing this one is forever archived at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, indebts me with an awesomeness which will never go away.

Of course, my love and involvement at Wolverhampton Wanderers cannot be under estimated nether, with me having the honour of serving on the club's EDI Advisory Group . Lots of exciting stuff is on the horizon and representating the club at Birmingham Pride on September 24th , gave me both real comfort of who I am and the work in enshrining Equlity and Equality across Wolves will be longlasting.

Alongside all that, becoming a regular at Wolverhampton Parkrun - which included getting my first Volunteering Credit just this morning , making 4 trips to Silverstone in combining the joy of Voluntary Service and Motorsport as a Race Maker as in the above linked TikTok video, Volunteer at Her Late Majesty's Platinum Jubilee Pageant with NCS , raise £415 for the Molineux Sleepout and Cancer Research UK's Race For Life , be a Solutions for the Planet Big Ideas Judge for a 3rd straight year, attend West Midlands Train's annual Stakeholder Conference and be part of Health Education England's annual UK Disability History Month even t : perfectly confirms just how much I've packed into these 365 days.

And I have no doubt, that all this could be a small reason why I was Highly Commended in this year's Wolverhampton Young Citizen of the Year , 7 years after being Joint-Runner Up in 2015! I most certainly didn't expect such a certificate to come through the letterbox on December 6th and I will treasure it with the greatest humility, with some across my city seeing me as a both a Role Model and Good Citizen - a thought which I cannot adequately repay in words.

I could say even more and some of the personal fun one has got up to, but this post would go one for hours and therefore I simply want to say THANK YOU to everyone whose been a small part, of this truly breathtaking Calendar Year and has given me guidance, support and kindness. Life IS A Rollercoaster and it certainly remains that way, but I feel blessed by the hundreds I know, of whose arms have been around the shoulders whether in person or interactively.

On that, I give you and your families all my wishes for a Very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful beginning to 2023 and in stating I will state my ambitions for the coming 12 months once it's begun next week: I sum up this year through the Lyrics of Midlands Child by SANITY , which formed part of the B2022 Festival album of On Record by Birmingham Music Archive - "Believe in the future, manifest, recieve it, Midlands Child, Dream BIG, Believe IT!"

And in the last full year of my Youth: I think I did that - and then some.

2022 Christmas Message - Hold Those Closest The Tightest

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

My Annual Christmas Message on this extremely reflective Day.

My 2022 Christmas Message in giving you all greetings for today: is hold those closest to you even tighter.

This December 25th understandably gives me feelings not in tune with being Festive, knowing today marks exactly a year since the passing of my late Brother Kieran.

Christmas will forever be tinged with sadness and heartbreak and thus is the reason why one’s house hasn’t had a tree or any decorations up within this year, why I don't care about not presents and why I haven’t listened to many Seasonal songs, barring for the last two weeks of Wolverhampton Parkrun - a thing which gives me something to truly enjoy every Saturday despite life's rollercoaster.

It’s still hard to quite comprehend our families loss in such a quick manner, between when being told on December 20th of him being in West Middlesex Hospital from the 17th, until his passing 8 days later on the evening of Christmas Day.

I again say; as I always have , that he was a man whose potential was utterly unlimitless and whom I know would have been a phenomenon in the world of Business and French, being what he studied at the University of Westminster.

But at least we have a wonderful collection of memories of his 25 years and 8 months - one which my Mum I am sure doesn’t mind me sharing in the above image, when Kieran took her on a visit to the set to her favourite soap in Coronation Street, which included heading inside the world loved Rovers Return Inn several years back. It is without doubt a programme which both was a gripping part of the daily schedule whilst growing up and really does reflect, day to day life for so many up and down the land.

Whatever you folk are doing today and in the coming days, I hope it is as Merry and Bright as it can be for you and your folks. As Sir Keir Starmer said in his message, Christmas is a time to be together with others and not only I will raise a toast to him later, I ask you all join to do the same.

A Toast For Kieran is exactly what my brother would have wanted and from us all, we give our wholehearted thanks to you for your wonderful support - throughout a 12 months w hich has left us an enormous hole to fill.

Bro - I miss you, I wish you were here through what has been an extraordinary 2022 for me and which I will reflect on via a post here next Saturday: but know your spirit, will forever drive me on and I am always grateful you were a special part of my life.

LETTER PUBLICATION: Formal Complaint of Khuram Mahmood, WMYCA Board Member

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 15:58:40 GMT

I have today written to the WM Mayor and WMCA CEO, raising a formal complaint. Here's the letter.

To Andy Street CBE: Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority Board;

And Laura Shoaf MBE, Chief Executive Officer: West Midlands Combined Authority

FORMAL COMPLAINT ON THE CONDUCT OF KHURAM MAHMOOD – MEMBER OF THE WEST MIDLANDS YOUNG COMBINED AUTHORITY

Saturday December 3 ^rd 2022

Dear Andy and Laura,

I hope this letter finds you well and I want to firstly give personal thanks for your kind letter in September, following the conclusion of my service on the West Midlands Young Combined Authority . That period involved in being a small part in the strategic leadership of Young People across our region is one I am hugely honoured to have contributed to and with a review into the YCA’s structure complete, I know it’s future is a strong one.

With today being International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I feel immensely proud to have been of the Young Combined Authority Board as an Autistic man and be among a good number of disabled members; of whom used the Board as a strong and positive platform to shout about the rights of people like myself. Reflecting on the last three and a bit years, such a time of service has also made me grow as a person and believe that folk like me; who can sometimes struggle greatly, are able to achieve whatever they so dream.

However, part of the reason why I determined my departure date of my 25 ^th Birthday of September 16 ^th , was due to a completely unacceptable comment being made by a fellow member of the YCA Board, of which massively made me doubt what I say above and has – to be blunt, knocked my confidence considerably in trusting people and made me quickly conclude my time involved had come to a conclusion.

This was comment in the YCA’s main WhatsApp group by Khuram Mahmood , was made during whilst yourself Mr Mayor was attending and participating in a meeting of the National YCA on Monday July 18 ^th ; a meeting of which your attendance to was much appreciated. Upon myself making some introductory remarks after the Mayor, Khuram wrote at 18:24pm the following message of “didn’t realise Kash was in attendance until Kash began orientating his Face in a peculiar motion”. One’s Autism means I can on camera look perhaps slightly awkward, but is a natural part of my body movements and therefore was taken aback his Mr Mahmood’s remark.

Fellow members quickly raised concern directly with him and checked in with me following the meeting, following which I emailed relevant to complain about a remark, which I feel could be a breach of the law. An apology from him, wasn’t received on email until July 28 ^th being 10 days after the remark was made, after being asked to either by staff or fellow members. I think that this being case in which he was asked to apologise and such an apology came such a period following the incident, to me is utterly unacceptable.

What also I deem unacceptable, was of Aspire’s constant demand of there being a “Resolution Meeting” – of which have put me and Khuram face-to-face to come to a solution. Knowing of the nature of the comment made and the nature of my Autism meaning such a situation would have felt extremely uncomfortable, I believe that processes were not fully followed; not least with Aspire deeming it being Case Closed as a result of me saying no to such a meeting.

On top this particular instance, Khuram has also been deemed to not correctly represented the YCA in WMCA Meetings; including within a Transport Delivery Committee meeting at some point during the 2021/2022 Municipal Year, when he was deemed Out of Order twice by the Chair. Hearing this has given me and others No Confidence in Khuram’s ability to both follow simple rules written within WMCA Procedures and a clear failure to show respect both to Board’s which I felt very lucky to engaged with and individuals.

This makes the fact he is still a WMYCA Board Member extraordinary to me and I thus would like for yourselves as the highest officers in the region, to investigate as soon as possible and through consultation with myself ensure there is a conclusion; of which I naturally feel should be the IMMEDIATE TERMINATION of Khuram’s Membership of the YCA and this being considered as part of the review of applications, for the Tender of the YCA in the new delivery Model, if Apsire4U have expressed interest.

I didn’t ever expect to have written such correspondence to you both, however I and I am sure many others will feel dismay at such an occurrence, which puts scars the excellent work done since the YCA came to being in September 2019.

I look forward to your response and contact in due course and alongside this letter being copied to relevant CA staff and the Secretariat of the National Young Combined Authority, this shall be made public via my website for the purpose of transparency and to hopefully assist in such an incident not occurring again.

Many Thanks and Kind Regards,

Kashmire DS Hawker

STATEMENT: Announcement of Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships and Wolverhampton 2025 Kabaddi World Cup

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:59:37 GMT

My response to two INCREDIBLE announcements which SPECTACULARLY cements B2022's Legacy!

I am utterly CHUFFED and simply BUZZING, to today have heard the confirmation of both the awarding's of the XXVII or 27th European Athletics Championships to the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham for the Summer of 2026 AND the V or 5th Kabaddi World Cup , in my home City of Wolverhampton in 2025!

Both events have NEVER been held in the United Kingdom since first editions in 1934 and 2004 respectively and will just like the extraordinary success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games play a huge role in economic and cultural growth and bring visitors from right around the world, to the beating Heart of the UK.

To have these events confirmed just over 3 months since the Closing Ceremony on August 8th, really signifies the coming together of all, in making our region the Events Capital of the nation and still being on the job hunt post my lifechanging adventure at B2022 , I very much offer my services to play whatever role in helping to make them just as wonderful as they will be.

I give huge congratulations to Birmingham City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority and all partners in striking another two immense GOLDS and here is to a pair of Internationally renowned competitions, shaping part of a truly GOLDEN ERA for my home patch!

That Incredible Day: Gracing The Green Benches!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 10:02:03 GMT

On the day which the UK Youth Parliament return to the Green Benches, I reflect on my day part of it in 2014 in the first of a new series!

Friday November 14 ^th 2014, saw an eyewatering awaking time of 3:55am, for a fairly busy 17-year-old in Year 12; for what became one of my most humbling experiences of my life, in gracing the most famous, and slightly tardy set of Green Benches in the world.

The run-up to that day undeniably began on February 29 ^th 2012 – the day which not only saw the world famous Carvers burst into flames of which shook our City, but also saw me be invited to join Wolverhampton City Youth Council, after unsuccessfully at just 14 years young running to be a Member of the UK Youth Parliament.

Even if 2012 was a no from our young Electorate and 2013 saw me be Elected a Deputy Youth MP; making me someone at that moment inches outside the room where I aspired to be, April 3 ^rd 2014 saw me book that trip to Westminster 7 months later, having been declared to have been victorious in an Election in a poll of 9,084 11-18 year olds in a poll of 14 candidates; totals only beaten earlier this year and of which shows the immense strength of youth representation here.

Back to nearly 8 years ago and after showering, having three pieces of whatever it was on toast, seeing BBC Red Button having “Youth Parliament to gather in Commons” as its 4 ^th story and getting into a Black Suit with a light purple shirt and silver tie, the longevity of a 05:55am taxi from home and the 06:45am Virgin Trains service to London Euston – of which my phone’s battery suffered to my musical taste, made that morning feel “hell” as I bluntly put it, knowing where I was heading!

Despite a minor soaking when arriving at The Palace of Westminster for 09:15am due to typical November rain, myself, fellow Wolverhampton MYP Arnold Majecha of whom I hope is well and Youth Worker Andrew Scragg all arrived looking forward to a day that was fascinating more than anything else. The beauty of the building in question sprung out from door to door.

After an hour’s wait with fellow MYP’s in Westminster Hall, the West Midlands team headed into the box that is the Commons Chamber at around 10:25am and it is an understatement to say it’s size doesn’t isn’t best reflected on broadcast media! The smallness, plus camera’s and microphones all spread makes it quite a cosy and warm arena to be within.

After a briefing by the Doorkeepers, Mr Speaker made his way in at just before 11am, where he welcomed us, before opening remarks via a letter from the Prime Minister read by now Reading Councillor and lovely human in Eleanor Emberson, then Leader of the House William Hague - whose one of the finest speakers to ever hear in public and from then Backbench Business Committee Natasha Engel.

Following that was a solemn and very moving set of tributes to mark the 100 ^th Anniversary of the start of The First World War before a Minute’s Silence; a moment of which sent a strong shiver down my spine and really kicked in the reality of where I was and being part of an opportunity just a century before was under threat by the evil in our midst’s.

It was on to the Debates; which were chosen by a then record 876,488 Make Your Mark ballots and then totalled around 14.8% of the UK's 11–18-year-old population. And two were held before lunch, the first being on the Living Wage which was sublimely kicked-off by Birmingham’s Vikram Patel and ended with one of the quotes of the day by Liverpool’s Ciara Brodie that “Happy Meals won’t be so happy when they are a fiver!” My natural nerves had struck so I didn’t try and be called first time round, even if there was an opportunity for my side of the chamber to have someone called which no one took. That showed the magnitude of the location we were in.

Debate two was on the longstanding campaigning topic of A Curriculum to Prepare us for Life, moved excellently by Derbyshire’s Lucy Boardman and at this point saw most members from all places trying to catch the eye through was frequently described as “Wild gesticulation!” by the Speaker – which included not just arms but a toy owl in the final debate and books to name a few things.

A fellow Sheffield Hallam Graduate in Simran Jandu of Wakefield, impeccably wrapped up the Living Wage debate by Quoting Drake’s lyrics of we “Started from the bottom, now we're here” which caused even a smile to flicker across elected Member’s of the House in presence.

Following a much needed packed lunch and making good use of plug sockets in Westminster; to both charge up and send gleeful WhatsApp messages to folk, Debate Three’s and Four on Work Experience and Careers Advice and Mental Health Services, of which the latter had a commitment by the hugely respected Minister Norman Lamb – then Member for North Norfolk for a meeting with all those who contributed to that topic’s proceedings and of which had some truly outstanding speeches, which reflects the need every day to improve services.

The final debate before voting on which became UKYP’s 2015 campaign’s was on Votes at 16 and in my mind, saw me both be robbed but impressed at exactly the same moment. Upon Mr Speaker calling for a West Midlands contribution, I jumped like a leopard “balling” “Mr Speaker! Mr Speaker” as loud as my voice can go.

The problem was, just as I thought I would finally strike gold, he informed all that Hazeem Arif of Warwickshire – right next to me during the Afternoon session, has sent a letter prior to the day, with an individual request that he got called in the said debate.

One inside felt utterly horrified, but my only show of that was me slapping my right leg as I sat back down and then I leaned back into the sound system behind me to hear what were powerful remarks, summed up by his view of “We can join the armed forces at 16, but we cannot choose the Government who choose our battles.” I tapped him on the shoulder and gave him a big “well done!” for his words, of which easily reflect why 16 and 17 year olds deserve the right to voice their say at the ballot box.

After more tremendous contributions, the debates were done and at 3:06pm, I headed into the Aye lobby to vote for the campaign issues and then returned for the wrap-up, which included remarks by former Reading West MP Rob Wilson, who was then Civil Society Minister and of whom I met two weeks earlier as part of NCS Leaders, on the day which I had a surprise invite to Number 10! Perhaps I should have cheekily asked him to give me a mention in his remarks? Remarks also came from former Member for Wells in Tessa Munt, who made her first and only appearance at the Dispatch Box that afternoon.

A Vote of Thanks was read by Shay Miah of Hartlepool, who is becoming a real force in his town and of whom I got to know through an Induction Weekend at Ashford in Kent just a week after my Election. Seeing him and Group 13 Member of that weekend Lewis Sherwood speak made me delighted and if any of you are reading this, do know you are a fantastic bunch and it would be great to reunite sometime soon!

The Campaign Vote resulted in Living Wage beating Votes at 16 156-117 to be the UK wide campaign, whilst Mental Health became 2015’s England specific campaign by 157 to Better Work Experience’s 78 and Bring Back Exam Resits in English and Math’s 33 votes. The latter result was cheered all over the chamber and galleries.

Mr Speaker who undoubtedly enjoyed UKYP’s sitting more than anything else whilst in the chair, to finish up gave thanks to all involved and restated the story of one MP believed to be the late Sir Peter Tapsell, stating when Member’s gave the nod for first usage of the Chamber five years prior that “You mark my words, Mr Speaker, sir. I have been here a great deal longer than you have. If those young people come to this Chamber, chewing gum will be left all over it and at the worst pen knives will be used and damage will be inflicted on these Benches that I love.” Thankfully and to prove he was most certainly incorrect, the only damage done to the benches has been the natural wear and tear of the leather over the years.

After the sitting concluded at 16:19pm – which I managed a slightly cheeky selfie in the Chamber, myself, Arnold and Andrew then met with former MYP for Wolverhampton James Potts, who 11 years ago today on November 4 ^th 2011, was the West Midlands Debate Lead on a Debate for Transport and at that moment in 2014 was working for then Nottingham North MP Graham Allen. James gave us a tour of the Palace, which meant a look in the Lords Chamber – a place which in 2015 and 2016 I would make my mark and in Westminster’s most spectacular space of The Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, which being inside put even more goosebumps on my arms.

We then eventually departed to catch the 19:43pm Virgin Trains service back to Wolverhampton and with a Burger King in hand from the famed Euston concourse, then reflected on the surrealness of the occasion. Once getting back through the front door sometime after 10pm, my late brother Kieran simply said to me “You’ve have a good day!” – which I simply just smiled.

Going from Wolverhampton’s most deprived ward of Bushbury South and Low Hill to the heart of democracy; for the second time in 16 days after a Breakfast reception at Parliament with NCS Leaders on October 29 ^th , is an honour beyond comparison and unless I ever get to speak from or get mentioned from the Green Benches, will be very hard to beat.

I am sure today’s 12 ^th gathering of MYP’s in the Chamber, for the 1 ^st time since November 8 ^th 2019 and on what is the 3 ^rd Anniversary of Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s Election as Speaker, will be just as worthwhile for the 249 11-18 year olds in attendance, which for the first time ever not only see a SNP member speak from the Dispatch Box in John Nicholson, but will also see the UK Overseas Territories be represented in the Commons !

This is something which everyone who loves democracy will be immensely proud of and I hope cracks open the bottle, on getting those part of the wider UK family a permanent place in the Mother of Parliament’s itself and I hugely look forward to seeing there dedicated speaking slots which they have just before lunch.

2022’s debate topics, all have a Health theme of which are :

Impact of Discrimination on Health
Environment and Health
Education and Health
Cost of Living and Health
Mental Health

All five areas couldn’t be more relevant or important to be debating at this point in time and I hope will make every elected representative with serious power up and down the land, takes serious note of what will be incredible remarks by folks seen as “the future”. Of course, my biggest best wishes go to Wolverhampton's Lshae Green and Gregory McDonald , who are flying the flag for our city. For just being there, you are doing Wulfrunians immensely proud!

A huge congratulations goes to the whole team at the British Youth Council and in the House of Commons – not least Commons staffer David Clark, who whilst at BYC made everything run like clockwork! He deserves massive credit for his role over the years and I will always be pleased at not getting one of his infamous Yellow Cards for bad conduct in BYC activity.

As I hope you’ve seen from my story as above, Gracing the Green Benches nearly 8 years ago is a highlight of my life which will burn very brightly for however long I live and breathe on this planet, and I’m sure will do for all involved this sunny Friday too!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Selection as LE2023 Labour Candidate for Penn!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 10:54:03 GMT

Thrilled to announce where I shall on a Ballot Paper on May 4th 2023!

I am thrilled and honoured, to confirm my Selection as one of what will be three candidates for The Labour Party, for the City of Wolverhampton Council ward of PENN , at the 2023 Local Elections on Thursday May 4th!

I will be standing alongside incumbant Councillor in Celia Hibbert, who turned her win of 21 votes in 2018 into an impressive Majority of 290 in May of this year, despite us suffering two heavy defeats in 2019 and 2021.

A third candidate for the ward, in what will be the first All-Out Elections in the city since 2004, as a result of Boundary Changes in 17 of the 20 wards , will be announced in due course.

After carrying the baton in Tettenhall Wightwick and Tettenhall Regis in the last two years, I am hugely excited at the opportunity which is at our feet. I will keep you updated on the campaign via this website, on my Labour specific Facebook page and on Instagram .

I massively look forward to the campaign and utlimately helping create A Productive and Proud Penn and be a champion for the residents of an area with HUGE possibilities and fantastic places and spaces.

Here's to hopefully making history!

Thank You, Birmingham 2022!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:00:00 GMT

My Once-In-A-Lifetime Role at a Games that changed Brum and WM ends today.

And I am forever grateful!

07:00AM BST, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH 2022 - WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

Publishing this blog post fills me with real emotion, pride, and the most profound sense of gratitude, that 767 of the most memorable days of my life employed by The Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Limited today concludes alongside the closure of the programme for the Birmingham 2022 Festival.

When I formally received the job offer for Administrator – Ceremonies, Culture and Queen's Baton Relay on July 29th, 2020 , I knew I would be both throwing myself into the unknown and giving myself an opportunity of a lifetime. This was undoubtedly knowing I would play a behind-the-scenes role as part of the biggest Cultural, Economic, and Sporting event ever held in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

The task of being one of many humbled helpers to organise "The Games For Everyone" - in my first Full-Time job after graduation defined daunting for a then 22-year-old, but from opening my laptop for the first time on August 24 ^th, 2020, and had a great chat with the division's masterminds in Martin Green CBE and Phil Batty, the foundations were laid for me to do my thing, learn a vast amount and grow both professionally and personally.

And it's safe to say that after:

Two Lockdowns;
Hundreds of people engaged with in a off-the-scale number of events;
A fascinating and wild rollercoaster of an Apprenticeship;
11 days of crazy sport;
A meeting with a Prince;
One Parliamentary Visit, A changing of US President, UK Prime Minister, and Head of the Commonwealth in less than two years;
One speech in front of 1,300 people at Symphony Hall;
And helping to spend millions of pounds later, to name a few things:

Made the challenge, as stated above, the most worthwhile thing imaginable.

The team across the Ceremonies, Culture, and Queen's Baton Relay Division, alongside the excellent partners at Birmingham Ceremonies Limited, Outdoor Digital Productions and Progress Productions, to name a few, are among the most outstanding people I have ever worked with and undoubtedly ever met. The talent that the Games managed to bring under one roof enhanced the experience and has given me friends for life.

Also, calling the team at Festival 2022 Limited – widely known as UNBOXED colleagues and mates feels really special. No matter what the wider public thinks about UNBOXED, I have witnessed the creation of a year full of simply magical projects, which has seen collaboration on a mind-blowing scale. The whole team has a fantastic job (not least in the Media Spotlight), and I certainly intend to visit Weston-Super-Mare before See Monster concludes its time at The Tropicana Lido.

Also, I hugely appreciate all those part of the Games' groundbreaking Accessibility Advisory Forum, Chair by a queen in all things Accessibility in Brummie, Sarah Rennie, and the Access team here at B2022. The AAF achieved a tremendous amount over a short period. Seeing it unfold as someone directly invited to the Forum before my appointment at the Games and then as a Staff Member was a significant highlight of my work. I use that power we created to ensure accessibility is forever on the agenda.

And of course – my team who have helped pull together what is now THE BIGGEST EVER Cultural Programme alongside a Commonwealth Games : I don't think I can fully describe how much I thank you for both welcoming this once Cultural Virgin into your world and giving me a platform to be part of something extraordinary. I adore and love you wholeheartedly and feel beyond grateful to have worked in the most incredible gang of humans and for the support and encouragement you've given, not least during my darkest hour of mourning Kieran earlier this year.

I want to state a huge thanks and congratulations to everyone else I've worked, engaged with, and met through the OC and Games Partners; not least the Senior Leadership Team led by B2022's masterful CEO Ian Reid, my fellow Level 3 Business Administration Apprentices, of whom are some of this region's best and brightest emerging talent and the whole team at FABRIC, who helped to mastermind the glorious and game-changing programme of Critical Mass as well all on the project's Steering and Partnership Groups. All of you are geniuses!

As for me and my future, I am delighted to say that I am on track to secure a new and exciting Admin role here in the West Midlands.

Interviews are booked in the coming weeks at a significant WM-based Cultural Organisation involved in the B2022 Festival and at a Major regional Educational Institution that also played a spectacular role in the Games. I'll leave you to guess who they are!

In closing this life-defining chapter, to know I came into such a role aged 22 and wondered how awesome it would be, I go out of it having transformed as a human, had my eyes open to what positivity humanity can bring and ultimately fulfill a dream come true.

2022 will forever be remembered, and to the whole team at the XIII Commonwealth Games of Victoria 2026: I give you my big luck and love, and I am sure you will create many more stories like mine through the world-beating power of Culture and Sport combined!

2022 Molineux Sleepout

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 13:40:15 GMT

Here's why I'm for a 2nd year braving the elements and Sleeping in a Molineux stand for two extraordinary Charities!

For a 2nd consecutive year, I am most honoured and humbled to be partaking in the annual Molineux Sleepout at Wolverhampton Wanderers world famous stadium , being held on Friday November 18th 2022.

Wolverhampton is a city; which through many a crazy decision by Government, has and will continue to face extraordinary challenge within it's residents. We are in the top 20 deprived areas the UK and according to The End Fuel Poverty Commission ; my city could have the highest Fuel Poverty rate this winter.

We are alarmingly also 13th in ratings for Education Deprivation, 8th for Income Deprivation, 5th for Youth Violence in the West Midlands and 6th for Employment Deprivation.

And like so many cities around the country, Wulfrunians experience high levels of inequalities which sadly impacts Unemployment rates, Food Poverty statistics and resident's Mental Health.

Knowing we are in 2022 and live in the 6th richest nation on the planet, these numbers should both give a heart attack to all those seeking to improve our society and make everyone - regardless of political opinion to take a step back and ask themselves: WHAT CAN I DO, to help tackle such issues HEAD ON?

That is what the Sleepout is all about and since it began in 2019, has raised more than £115,000 for the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation , who are Wolves official charity and The Good Shepherd , who based opposite The Golden Palace support thousands of families with the basics of food and clothing - which has included my family in years gone by.

In being a 25 year old, who on many occasions during the mid 2010's has had to scrape together penny's to get by and who at present, is in a household which after next week will have limited income coming into it after my role at Birmingham 2022 ends, makes me determined more than ever, to help make sure that the experiences that I've been through, don't occur for fellow Wulfrunians now or in the future.

Raising £735 in 2021 for November 12th 2021's Sleepout was one of the proudest honour's of my life, knowing how much of a difference such funding made and I would if possible, would love to match or even beat it.

Please donate whatever you can via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kashmiresleepsout and together, help win BY FAR THE BIGGEST fixture of the season and make it a lifechanging moment, for so many across my city who need a helping hand.

Massive Thanks!

West Midlands Young Combined Authority: THANK YOU.

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:33:08 GMT

A Formal word of thanks, for letting me Serve on a unique powerhouse of Representation for three extraordinary years!

15:30PM, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH 2022: BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

If you had said four years ago, that I would be one of the founding members of the biggest ever strategic voice for Young People across the West Midlands; of which become award winning, bring together those seeking the highest office in our part of the world and give a new and vital platform to be engaged with our Leaders, then I would have looked and thought "What are you thinking?!"

Whilst at Sheffield Hallam University and whilst in the thick of being one of many champions for students, I very much thought that my days as a Youth Representative who has that kind of engagement and opportunity were over.

But when a Board like the West Midlands Young Combined Authority comes along - as it so did in 2019, it's something which you'd be crazy to say no to.

And seeing that through three YCA Boards since September 2019 and in the wide and apolitical mission of collectively developing the future of the Region, I've been part of producing an Award winning Vision and Priorities Document , helped shaped elements of work on the COVID Recovery , the WM2041 Climate and Environment Strategy , sat on the influential Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee and Regional Road Safety Group, speak at WMCA Board on countless occasions , be a signatory on a hugely powerful letter on Black Lives Matter and discover the immense talent amongst our young people - many who are now life long friends and allies, has made the experience all worth it.

I will in the coming weeks write a wider and funkier looking review of my experience and the influence which we've had since the YCA's formation and what I think it's structure looks like.

That is for another moment however, as through this post give my wholehearted thanks to staff at the CA, former Delivery Partner in Beatfreeks and current Delivery Partner in Aspire4U, for the support given and the work they've put in to make it work, as well as to the team who wrote the 2018 Leaders Like You report, that helped persuade Mayor Andy Street to set up this ambitious team of future changemakers.

And to the Mayor - for taking what many would perceive a risk, thank you for the support given and giving us the chance to be the challenging voice we can be.

My time maybe at a natural end, but I will be forever grateful for the platform it gave to me, to in the words of former Labour Party Leader John Smith QC " Speak up for people who cannot speak up for themselves. "

May the voice of this bold, powerful and unique forever be shouted about and for enabling me this extraordinary: THANK YOU!

Chapter 25 – You've been a Ride.

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Today marks me hitting a Quarter of a Century - here's some thoughts on the last year on this important day!

MIDNIGHT - FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2022: WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

In the simple words of the legendary late Queen of Soul of Aretha Franklin, "Every Birthday is a Gift. Every Day is a Gift."

And in the thinking of one of the world's best Television Presenters and Interviewers, Oprah Winfrey, "Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you. Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self."

As I mark at 16:12 this afternoon the 25th anniversary of my birth at the long-demolished Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Ronkswood, Worcester, and simultaneously my resignation as a Member of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority after three extraordinary years, those two quotes from those two incredible women perfectly symbolise what September 16th, 2021-September 15th, 2022, has been.

Getting through the grief of losing one of my best Brother on Christmas Day, alongside the forever-lasting pride of playing a small but critical part of Birmingham and the West Midlands' biggest ever Sporting, Cultural and Economical event, on top of a house move, running for public office for a second consecutive year, raising £880 for three incredible charities and being part of a third book among many things – all give me a lot of emotion and gives me substantial reflection.

Kieran's loss at just 25 forever pains me – not least because of how he passed, which won't be said publicly until we are comfortable. It feels even more striking that due to my busy nature, I haven't had a lot of time off and therefore suspect that post my end date at Birmingham 2022 in 2 weeks' time, I will slip into a short but needed period of personal mourning.

However, making my Beloved Brother look down with the deepest possible pride has greatly spurred me on, knowing there is a lot to live for, fight for and be part of.

That is what has made me delighted with the things I've done as stated above, alongside volunteering with NCS at the Jubilee Pageant in early June, forming part of the first-ever Wolverhampton Wanderers EDI Advisory Group, continuing my engagement with the West Midlands Trains Stakeholder Equality Group, Volunteer at the biggest Motorsport event in UK history of the 2022 British Grand Prix at Silverstone and complete a Business Administration Apprenticeship, which included being received by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex.

To know I've achieved such things in such an uncertain world makes me stand 3 inches taller, and even if I at present I don't have a job post-September 30th (do contact me if you can help me a hand on that!), I know that the opportunity out there will be substantial.

One thing I do say here, though, is that even if it's short, I don't intend to be on Universal Credit for long if I need to make that step, knowing I AM ABLE, I HAVE CONTRIBUTED AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE POSITIVE IN SOCIETY , and the prospect of being Unemployed during the upcoming winter scares the hell out of me!

As a Disabled Person who has successfully worked for nearly 25 months without issue, this gives me the belief that whatever my next step is, it will be just as fruitful as my time at B2022 has been.

And despite my world being a different place than this time last year, I take great comfort and appreciation from all the support given. At the moment, to celebrate my 25th Birthday, I do so that the despite the rollercoaster ride it has been, I know Chapter 26 has unknowns which I will encounter with humility and determination.

Happy Birthday to ME, and cheers for the support, guidance, and love by you all over the last 12 months!

STATEMENT: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:07:12 GMT

A Personal Statement, on the end of the life one of Planet Earth's greater ever people.

14:40, BST - FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH 2022: BIRMINGHAM WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

"If there is a moment, which I, the nation, and the globe most dreaded; it was very much the end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

As our Monarch, Head of the Commonwealth of Nations and as a Grandmother to many more than her family, Her Majesty’s over 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom and right around the world was done with decency, sheer devotion, and the fullest joy; not least knowing of the important charitable causes which she and The Royal Family supported.

The announcement of her Death aged 96 yesterday evening has left me upset and quite lost for words, for three particular reasons:

1) Through the return of the raw emotion of grief, which myself and my family experienced after the sudden loss of my beloved older Brother Kieran on Christmas Day last year;

2) Knowing that I was in a way, at Her Majesty’s Service on June 4th and 5th, whilst representing the National Citizen Service at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant – which so beautifully celebrated her life; and

3) Remembering with the deepest pride of myself being received by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex and Her Majesty’s youngest on January 25th of this year, through my work at the Birmingham 2022 Festival.

This combination genuinely fills me up and will make the next few days one of the strangest to date; not least through point one as above. The realisation of loss over the last 8 ½ months has been truly hard to bear.

However, I will use this period to be thankful to have lived within a lifetime, of one of the greatest public servants who has ever and will ever grace Planet Earth, whose calm nature and cool headedness is an inspiration to so many.

My full thoughts and heartfelt sympathies; along with my colleagues on the West Midlands Young Combined Authorities, are with His Majesty The King, Camilla, Queen Consort and the full Royal Family at this period of mourning.

May one of the most extraordinary humans ever to have lived, forever be at peace and may God Save Our Gracious King."

Letter to WM Leaders, to Suggest a Bid for the Youth Olympics

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:24:04 GMT

Below is my letter sent today, to Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, Solihull Councillor and Deputy Leader of the West Midlands Bob Sleigh and Birmingham Councillor and Birmingham City Council Leader Ian Ward

Dear Andy, Bob, Ian and CA Board Members,

This last fortnight – has, without question, been the finest in the history of our proud region, which has showcased our beautiful, friendly, and prideful place on the most spectacular scale.

As the Young Combined Authority Co-Chair, to have seen this occur in our times and given so much opportunity to our region’s young generation has been a dream come true.

And to have played a small and humble part as a staff member at the Birmingham 2022 Festival, plus being one of the OC’s Apprentices, has been the greatest honour of my life.

I do not doubt that Birmingham 2022 will go down as the moment which began a golden era for our region in hosting major events of the kind. With bids already in place for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and the 2026 European Athletics Championships, alongside being part of the UK and Ireland’s Bid for UEFA EURO 2028 and Councillor Ward’s comment about a World Athletics Championship bid in the near future, makes this is a profound statement of our collective intent, and the YCA gives our full welcome and support.

And suggestions that Birmingham and the West Midlands could bid for the Games of the XXXVI (36th) or XXXVII (37th) Olympiad in 2036 or 2040 is an ambition that an area like ours should rightfully aspire to.

As a precursor to an Olympics bid and to give us the best possibility of one day hosting “The Greatest Show on Earth,” I do move the proposition that we should consider a Birmingham-led and WM-wide bid for the V (5th) or VI (6th) Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2030 or 2034.

The Youth Olympics gives 15–18-year-olds their first taste of competing at the highest level and, since its inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010, has grown in reputation and stature. More than 4,500 are expected to compete at Dakar in 2026, putting it near the same level as Birmingham 2022.

The games have not yet been held in Europe, and with the world-class infrastructure predominantly in place and us being the youngest place in our continent, along with a stellar Cultural offering as is being showcased through the Festival until September’s end, I feel these factors alone would put us in a tremendous position to strike gold.

Even if I my time on the YCA concludes on my 25th birthday on Friday September 16th , I would be more than happy to engage with you on this and help bring to life, the legacy of one of the proudest period’s we’ve ever seen and together open even more doors than ever.

Many Thanks

Kashmire

ANNOUNCEMENT: Planned Resignation from the West Midlands Young Combined Authority

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:27:19 GMT

Email of my Planned Resignation as sent last week and a Disclosed reason why

TRIGGER WARNING: Features a Comment of an Ablest Nature

Last Friday, I formally confirmed with the below email, of my intention to Tender my Resignation as Co-Chair of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, effective as of 16:12PM BST on Friday September 16th 2022.

Not only was it done as I felt that hitting 25 at that exact minute on that day in 6 weeks time, being a natural point to end my journey in Youth Representation, but as a result of a simply unacceptable comment, BY A FELLOW YCA MEMBER in a WhatsApp conversation.

It came whilst representing the YCA, within what was overwise a successful meeting of the growing National Young Combined Authority with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street on the evening on Monday July 18th.

The comment, made after I was introduced in the meeting stated "I didn't realise Kash was here until he orientated his face in a peculiar motion."

I Immediately felt discomforted after the comment was made, knowing that myself being Autistic means not looking at people or things is a very natural part of my bodily function.

And in the time since - which has so far NOT had a conclusion to an Investigation being held by the WMCA and the YCA's Delivery Partner in Aspire4U, I have felt a real sense of being unwelcomed - within a body which I was one of it's first 33 members in September 2019 and which West Midlands Combined Authority Staff have expressed their appreciation for the contribution which I've made.

The person in question (who I won't name) is also a Member of The Labour Party and of The Co-operative Party, of which I intend to report them to in due course.

I do however want to express my wholehearted gratitude to other YCA Members for their support in confidence and of whom have been terrific in their work across the last 9 months.

I will give an update when I am able too and for full transparency, do see below the email which I sent on Thursday July 28th announcing my intention to end my time on the YCA Board:

"Dear all (including Mr Mayor),

Through this email and via a video at https://www.facebook.com/KashmireHawker/videos/1506224223151158/ - I announce my intention to Resign as Co-Chair and Board Member of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, at 16:12pm on Friday September 16th: which will mark 25 years to the minute since my birth.

I've done so as that day is not just my 25th birthday, but I feel that after 3 excellent years involved, that then is a natural time to move on and progress in both the world of representation and advocacy and that I can put behind a bit disappointing year a Co-Chair behind me, being down to bad communication and lack of engagement in setting meeting items, as well hitting the near end of my youth too.

I do however express my full and whole hearted thanks to colleagues from the CA, Beatfreeks originally and currently Aspire4U; for enabling me since the start to be as involved in such a brilliant height of strategic democracy, as well as develop as an individual and and be part of taking our region forward.

I will do what I can in the coming weeks to make sure that the next Co-Chair's (if the present structure remains) and all members, get the best possible support from me as well continue to be as involved in things such as Levelling Up, WM2041 and much more.

It's been a true pleasure to do my bit and immensely look forward; in many varying ways, in helping to make this region's future a truly special one.

Enjoy the Opening Ceremony this evening and here's to bowing out in style!"

B2022 = Simply Proud!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:51:55 GMT

A post which I feel to proud and slightly EMOSH to write, on Opening ceremony Day!

IMAGE: A celebratory snap on Opening Ceremony Day and in completion of the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, with Nigel Huddleston MP: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Member of Parliament for the County Constituency of Mid Worcestershire

11:50AM BST - THURSDAY JULY 28TH 2022, BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

In a time which the world needs something to be excited and motivated about, to be truly moved by and to be inspired to take on new and extraordinary challenges, the XXII (22nd) Commonwealth Games of Birmingham and the West Midlands beginning today will be the most beautiful illustration of just that.

And with today having come around - the last 23 months and 3 days (703 days to be easy) since first opening up my Laptop, since logging on to my email and since speaking to two of the most wonderful divisional heads which anyone can ask for, have been without the question the greatest of my life.

I don’t say it for saying it’s sake, I say it knowing of the way which I’ve developed into the world of work, along with the immense connections I’ve created and through the opportunities which have landed at me feet.

If anyone said I would have completed an Apprenticeship to enhance me even more, alongside having my name in two legacy reports, alongside engaging with a Senior Royal, featuring in three Organising Committee Videos and say words in front of 1,300 people at Symphony Hall, I of course would have not believed a single thing!

So to know I’ve ticked all that off and more feels beyond gratifying and proves the power of major events and opportunity to a T. This is not just because of my growth, but knowing competition and celebration like this brings people together in such distinctly unique ways, which for me has resulted in working with truly outstanding folk and means I have some terrific connections across the region to maintain and cherish.

And seeing the West Midlands’ cultural scene come alive; not least after the worst possible blow of the pandemic has made it feel fully worth it. The brining together of over 250 16–30-year-olds in a fully inclusive environment, to show the power of Dance in the project of Critical Mass without question my biggest highlight and it will be tough to wipe off my smile for a few days, when they perform as part of tonight’s Opening Ceremony.

Most of all, the startling scale of such an event and the knowledge that my very name – in Kashmire Darren Singh Hawker, has been an individual a part of the organisation of Birmingham and the West Midland’s biggest ever gathering, fills me with deep gratitude.

I do give my wholehearted thanks to everyone at B2022 for giving me such a wonderful opportunity – not least all part of the Ceremonies, Culture and Queen’s Baton Relay division and at UNBOXED 2022. Everyone who’ve encountered, worked with and got to know define extraordinary, thanks to their immense support and creativity and I’m proud to call all of you friends for life.

The Sport may now be here and might finish in a flash, but the memories and legacy of The Games For Everyone will be something to gleam about until I draw my eternal breath.

See you post the games as the Festival goes on until the end of September and please and simply: ENJOY IT, BAB!

Welcome to Brum, Bab!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 13:53:38 GMT

A Welcome Message to all heading our Way for Birmingham 2022

As Co-Chair of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (WMYCA), I want to give my fullest and wholehearted welcome to all Athletes, Coaches, Teams, members of the Commonwealth Collective Volunteering cohort and Visitors from around the world, who are joining us for the XXII (22nd) Commonwealth Games between July 28 ^th -August 8 ^th 2022!

You are visiting a place on this planet, which is bound together through our extraordinary past in leading the way on many parts of human and societal development and which through The Power of Sport, Strength of Culture and Pride in its People, has ahead a simply incredible future.

Birmingham is a city which perfectly symbolises the depth of the Commonwealth of Nations, thanks to the boundless energy, talent, enterprise and humble nature which exists. I have no doubt you’ll get to experience this, whether you’re taking to the track at the Alexander Stadium or visiting the city’s two major Festival Sites at Victoria Square and Smithfield and whether you’re exploring places like the cultural gem of the Midlands Arts Centre or walking along the City’s canal network, which rumour has it are bigger than Venice!

And Brum lays heart at a region of the West Midlands, which is full of beautiful spots wherever you look, is the home of Shakespeare and birthplace of the game of Rugby, as well being the home of more than 170 languages, our nation’s longest river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ironbridge Gorge, many historical sporting institutions and is at the true heart of connectivity; not least thanks to Spaghetti Junction and Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill Railway Station’s.

Playing part in the biggest Sporting, Cultural and Economical event in our region’s history, as an Administrator for the truly groundbreaking Birmingham 2022 Festival, has been a simply humbling experience and which makes me fully confident that your experience will wrap together the jawdropping nature of live sport, along with discovering our place’s Cultural talent and massively contributing to our Economy through where ever you head to and whatever you eat.

Without question, you visit at a moment which will take this patch of land into a new era and which will see millions of memories created.

It leaves me to say that I hope you enjoy every second of your experience, bab, of what will be an event to last a lifetime and that you will cherish such a beautiful part of our land!

STATEMENT: 2026 European Athletics Championship Bid and 2023 Eurovison Bid Update

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 21:12:05 GMT

A response to two exciting announcements made today

Monday June 20th, 22:10pm GMT - WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS

Kashmire Hawker, Co-Chair of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, gives a statement responding to the announcements made on Birmingham and Solihull bids for the 2026 European Athletics Championships and 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

"I today express my real delight at the two announcements, that confirms Birmingham is a shortlisted bidder through Birmingham City Council and UK Athletics, to host the XXVI (26th) European Athletics Championship in 2026 at the Alexander Stadium and that a partnership of Birmingham City Council, Resorts World and Solihull Metropolitan Council will formally apply to host the LXVII (67th) Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 at Resorts World Arena in May next year!

Despite the scale of the European Athletics Championship, a UK venue has never been given the honour and responsability to organise the event since it began in 1934 and with Birmingham 2022 opening up our region to the world like never before in just 5 1/2 weeks time, hosting Europe at a regenerated Heart of Athletics in 4 years time would only feel right and proper and back up the extraordinary opportunity which the XXII Commonwealth Games are already giving to our patch.

And seeing the confirmation tonight that Resorts World Arena has officially cleared the diary and confirmed avaliability to welcome more than 15,000 spectactors from around the globe in 11 months, makes me incredibly excited of the immense possibilities that Eurovision can bring. With the BBC making positive strides in seriously investing in the region, the benefits which the Contest would bring to both Birmingham and Solihull (which is the Council which the site of the NEC sits within) would be astronomically game changing for music and culture.

I and my Young Combined Authority colleagues give our full support and if given the right to host, it will further signal a truly golden era of folk around the global coming to so positively engage with this Region at the Heart of the UK and Soul of the World!"

ENDS.

STATEMENT: 2023 Eurovision Song Contest

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:00:24 GMT

A Statement in response to today's announcement by The EBU

14:00PM GMT - Friday June 17th 2022: BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

Kashmire Hawker, Co-Chair of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, gives a statement responding to the announcement made by the European Broadcasting Union on the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

"In noting today's announcement by the European Broadcasting Union - EBU, that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest is unable to take place in Ukraine, I want to give my wholehearted and fullest solidarity to the Ukrainian People on continuing to fight against the indescribable suffering which they face.

As a viewer of the contest every year since 2011, it makes me naturally disappointed at Ukraine not being able to celebrate their victory, in the traditional manner of hosting the following year and I hope that once the conflict is over and once Russia is defeated, they will be invited to host once again.

If talks go well and a deal is struck by all parties to bring Eurovision back to British soil, as Co-Chair of a Board of 16-25-year-olds here in the West Midlands; which so splendidly hosted Israel's dramatic victory in 1998, I very much would encourage Birmingham City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority to issue a formal invitation to host at either Resorts World Arena or Utilita Arena Birmingham.

With 2022's contest attracting 56.4% of Europe's 15-24-year-old population, Birmingham and the West Midlands being the youngest place on our continent and 2023 being 25 years since the above mentioned contest, it would be immensely fitting for one of the world's biggest annual events to return to our neck of the woods.

It would be one of the biggest and best spectacles ever seen and will not just showcase the power of music and the creative industries (right on the back of Coventry 2021 and Birmingham 2022 Festival), but also be a once in a generation driver in economic growth.

I hope discussions between the EBU, BBC and others work out and if they do, I hope that leaders in this wonderful place, seek to host a simply extraordinary event and make May 2023 a month to remember."

ENDS.

Happy Jubilee!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 12:25:56 GMT

My wishes for this Weekend and some Reflections, at a Once in a Lifetime milestone.

Whatever you are doing this weekend, I give you my best wishes as we mark 70 years of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This Platinum Jubilee will be the only one of our lifetimes and it a perfect moment, to bring citizen's together and pay our collective thanks to The Queen, in marking an extraordinary milestone of serving our nation and the Commonwealth.

It made me attending Wolverhampton's Beacon Lighting last evening an immense honour and it makes my participation this weekend, as 1 of 200 Volunteers with either the National Citizen Service (NCS) or Lloyds Banking Group at Sunday's Jubilee Pageant, one of the proudest honours I have ever had.

Knowing of the opportunities I have and the people I've engaged with, giving voluntary service to an event that celebrates over seven decades of service of our nation's ultimate leader and spirit feels incredibly exciting and even if Sunday will be long and quite possibly wet, I am looking forward to every moment of it.

This on top of a productive few weeks past since the Local Elections, which included Judging at Solutions for the Planet's Regional Final on May 16th, alongside passing the 1st part of my Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship's End Point Assessment at Birmingham 2022 and this week being part of an excellent session with Young Combined Authority colleagues, on the ongoing development of the Trailblazer Devolution Deal for the WMCA, gives me extreme pride.

And with both the British Grand Prix and the Commonwealth Games fast approching, means this weekend will be another busy but tremendous moment to saviour.

Happy Jubilee folks and Long May She Reign!

STATEMENT: RESULT OF 2022 CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL ELECTION FOR TETTENHALL REGIS

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sun, 08 May 2022 14:00:01 GMT

A BIG Thanks for the support on Thursday! My reaction to the results and what's next!

WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands, UK – 15:00PM BST, Sunday 8th May 2022

I wish to give my warmest personal congratulations, to the Conservative and Unionist Party’s Sohail Khan on his Re-Election as Councillor for the City of Wolverhampton Council ward of Tettenhall Regis on Thursday May 5th, 2022.

Regardless of your political afflation, anyone who is Elected and then Re-Elected to serve residents is very much respected in my eyes and I give him and his family my best wishes for the coming 12 months.

I of course also give my appreciation to Julian Donald of the Liberal Democrats and Christopher Brookes of the Green Party for participating on the ballot.

I thank my Agent Barbara Gwinnett for her as always brilliant support, her husband Don who took on the mantle as Candidate in Tettenhall Wightwick and Helen Lewis – all of whom have been utterly superb in the last few weeks with more than 2,000 Election Addresses posted alongside 1,000 Get Out The Vote Cards.

This is also extended to all those across Wolverhampton Labour for their assistance, as well as The Co-operative Party for their financial contribution and support too.

Most of all, my biggest thanks goes to the 1,107 residents of Regis who expressed their confidence and trust in me and the Labour and Co-operative Party, which percentage wise put me on 34.94% - which humblingly is our 2ND HIGHEST percentage result in Labour’s history in Regis!

Our percentage result is 2.05% down on 2018, which as a result of a lower turnout and the way which the Conservatives advanced in 2019 and 2021. BUT to achieve the percentage above, as well achieve over 1,000 votes for the 2nd straight year AND to SLASH the Conservatives lead in 2021 of 1,080 votes and 28.69% to 507 and 15.99% in 12 months, is both a tremendous advance for my party and sends a serious warning and message to the Government that the people of Aldersley, Claregate and North Tettenhall aren’t happy!

This was summed up by Labour across our city with us winning 17 of the 20 wards, resulting in the same performance as 2018. I am of course saddened with the loss of Bushbury North and the exceptional voice of Alan Butt who was an incredible champion for a wonderful community and I pay tribute to him for his constant support. I’m proud to call Alan a friend.

However I was thrilled (as per the above image!) with us GAINING Merry Hill ward for only the 2ND TIME EVER; not least with a win of 6 votes by Carol Hyatt! This extraordinary result has no doubt sent the Conservatives here in the city into complete disarray - not least through a tweet from our leader Ian Brookfield following Friday’s Labour Group meeting ; and that knowing that they Regained the seat won in 2016 last year by 677 votes and by a lead of 19%.

For that to be overturned in 12 months very much brings the other 2 seats there, along with Penn which Celia Hibbert increased her win from 20 to 290 right into play within 2023’s All Out Elections, as on the new Boundaries which as stated with glee in January had me successfully contribute to changing three ward names !

On next year, the results this week present me with a considerable number of options to consider regarding where I could stand, if re-adopted on the Panel of Candidates. Unless my job post the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games would bar me from running, I do confirm my intention is very much to seek Election as part of Labour’s 60 strong team on May 4th, 2023.

And as a member of the group’s Local Government Committee, I join my colleagues in an agreed view back in February to ensure that West Midlands Labour enables us, to begin the Selection Processes as soon as possible.

Knowing as to my reflections and thoughts on 2021’s torrid results and the place it left us in, I feel immensely optimistic about what the future holds for our party; both across our city and the West Midlands. The results across the Black Country, Birmingham, Redditch, Rugby and Worcester are deeply encouraging knowing of 12 months ago and are positive steps on the road back to regional and national power.

Helping to seek that power and change lives, is what will be at the heart of my soon-to-be ignited campaign for Young Labour UK’s West Midlands Representative as announced on February 25 ^th and I very much invite all Young Labour groups, Constituency Labour Party’s and Trade Unions (not least my own in Community the Union) across the region, to consider the plan I am putting forward so our party’s work across our region is strengthened and has Unity at its heart. 3 YL/CLP’s need to nominate to get me on the ballot by June 17 ^th ’s deadline and my inbox is open in wishing to persuade colleagues to that and support me.

Finally, I want to give my wholehearted congratulations to all those I know across the UK who were deemed “Duly Elected” over the last few days! Even if I am part of a small number who didn’t hear those words, I have been beaming over the successes of party colleagues; not least those fellow Young Members who will now serve people across their communities and bring such unique experience to local authorities up and down the land.

Particular shoutouts have go to fellow Sheffield Hallam University Alumni in Laura-Lunn Bates in Kew ward, Southport and Nabeela Mowlana in Park and Arbourthrone, Sheffield alongside fellow Young Fabian member Kira Lewis in Higham Hill ward, Waltham Forest, Simran Cheema and Connor Horton, just across the way in Willenhall South ward, Walsall and fellow Wolves fan Adrian Hughes in Upper Gornal and Woodsetton ward, down the road in Dudley.

All of you will be absolutely stellar in serving the people and I cannot wait to see the impact which you will make.

On that and after a bit more sleep, I massively look forward to the coming months, with May 16th seeing me return as a Solutions for the Planet BIG Ideas judge for a 3rd straight year, which delightfully will be in person here in Wolverhampton, alongside volunteering at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant with the National Citizen Service (NCS), getting started on Wolverhampton Wanderers Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group for the 2022/2023 Season, finally ending the 3 year wait to return to the British Grand Prix, in the colours of the Pink and Blue as a Silverstone Race Maker and being part of the Launch of Changing Our Lives Colouring Between The Lines a few weeks later at the Black Cultural Archives.

All this alongside the phenomenal Birmingham 2022 Festival and the excitement of the Games between July 28th-August 8th and completing my Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at the Organising Committee, will create many more memories and undoubtedly opportunities.

And on the back of me taking a mega step towards my dream of serving Wulfrunians, I know it will be truly worth it and I know that my late brother Kieran, today looks down with even greater pride.

NOTE: Declaration of The Result of Poll

Election on Thursday May 5th, 2022 of a Councillor, to serve for the City of Wolverhampton Council ward of Tettenhall Regis

Votes Cast: 3,169

Ballot Papers Issued: 3,184

Turnout: 34.18%

Votes and Percentages Per Candidate (Changes on 2018):

Sohail Khan – The Conservative Party Candidate: 1,614 – 50.93% (-0.85%)

KASHMIRE HAWKER – Labour and Co-operative Party: 1,107 – 34.94% (-2.05%)

Julian Donald – Liberal Democrat: 241 – 7.60% (+0.33%)

Chris Brookes – Green Party: 207 – 6.53% (+2.57%)

ENDS

An Open Letter to Tettenhall Regis - LE 2022

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 20:14:29 GMT

Do see my open letter, to the Residents of Aldersley, Claregate and North Tettenhall as Labour and Co-operative Candidate for Tettenhall Regis on May 5th! Letter is in the image and via text below.

Dear Resident,

I want to state how much of an honour it would be for you to place your trust in me and Elect me as Tettenhall Regis's first ever Labour and Co-operative Councillor.

With a Cost of Living Crisis taking full affect, alongside the lack of action to make our streets safe, the lack of investment to save the planet and the continued slashing of our City Council's budget, both makes me angry but also fired up, knowing of what can be done for people and the amazing impact which Local Authority's can have on people's lives.

Knowing I'm a Autistic 24 year-old whose come from a family whose struggled on the breadline; but managed to study, get an awesome job in a major events company, advocate for disabled and ethnically diverse people through a leading regional disability right's charity, Co-Chair a regional Board of 16-25 year-olds that reflects our wonderful area and even be a volunteer at the home of Motorsport, makes me stand up with deep pride and shows what people can achieve.

It's that sense of purpose which would drive me; not least in supporting measures including the £1 Million Cost of Living Crisis Support Fund, funding for those on Free School Meals, the highly successful Wolves at Work scheme, for better buses, protecting our greenbelt through a Brownfield First policy, the Yo! Programme for young people, staging more events at WV Active Aldersley and getting the best deal for Regis's brilliant small and independent businesses.

May 5th delivers a chance to send an historic and blunt message to the Conservatives, that enables a new, youthful and compassionate representative to serve the people of Aldersley, Claregate and North Tettenhall and can unlike the Conservatives representation on Council - is actually able to work with fellow Councillors and get things done.

"The Opportunity to Serve; that is all I ask" and it would be the greatest privilege to help Build A Regis For ALL.

Vote Kashmire Hawker and Labour and Co-operative on May 5th and help make that happen!

Many Thanks and Best Wishes

Kashmire

ANNONCEMENT: Colour Between The Lines

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 15:47:42 GMT

I'm being part of A 3RD BOOK - which will be the most unique yet!

17:00PM, THURSDAY APRIL 7TH 2022 - BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM

I am personally chuffed to share, that I will forming part of a special book which tells the stories of people like me; in helping to mark the 20th anniversary of one of the West Midlands most empowering advocacy charity's!

Changing Our Lives - launched in 2002 by Jayne Leeson MBE was awarded funding by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Autumn 2021, to produce a book sharing the oral histories of ethnically diverse disabled people and which will celebrate the positive impact that being involved in COL's work has had for us.

The book will be displayed at the Black Cultural Archive, Brixton from Mid-July onwards , with details on that to be confirmed in due course.

I want to express my wholehearted appreciation to Jayne and the whole team at COL, for giving me and some other wonderful humans such a extraordinary opportunity and I cannot wait to shout about a publication - which will purely demonstrate that No One is Too Disabled, to Lead an Ordinary Life!

ENDS

STATEMENT: YOUNG LABOUR UK ELECTIONS 2022

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 21:42:14 GMT

‘All we ask is the chance to serve’ lets prove it, together!

21:30 GMT - FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25TH 2022: WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS

Seeing how my neck of the wood, has rejected The Labour Party in such a big fashion over the last few years and knowing how many like me are experiencing Poverty, Racism and complete Inequality (not least fellow disabled people), I CANNOT standby and watch on.

The West Midlands NEEDS a Young Labour wing that is Positive in its work, Accessible in what it does and crucially: UNIFIED in both its members and Ambition. And as a Cooperative man, a Fabian and a Community member, I want to play a role in getting us back in power.

That is why and after lengthy personal consideration, I will stand for Young Labour National Committee West Midlands Representative; in what will be my 1st and only ever YL National Election aged 24!

I start as a one man band and will probably get laughed at in some quarters as a result, but I hope to build a coalition full of young West Midland members, who feel that the desire for change strikes them.

Please do contact me via my website form, if you would like to help with this campaign, which my simple aim is to at least get on the ballot: with the support of Three CLP’s or Young Labour groups across the region by Mid-June.

I’m Kashmire Hawker and for a Positive, Accessible and Unified WM Young Labour, I offer my services to this party, which has given me so much and I wish to give back!

My full candidate's statement, which I submitted in nomination on Tuesday February 22nd is as follows:

Seeing Labour lose in a region like the West Midlands, as well as being in a divided movement shows change is required.

Being an Autistic and BAME man whose experienced poverty, racism and the constant fear that I wouldn’t achieve thanks to societal inequality – I cannot standby.

I’m proud to be WM Young Combined Authority’s Co-Chair, an associate of a disability charity, being on Young Fabians WM committee, volunteer at Silverstone and Wolves youngest Council candidate in 2021.

As well as a Labour member, I’m a Co-op, Fabians and Community Union member and this plus the experience listed, is what is needed to help build a WM youth wing that is Positive, Accessible and Unified.

If Elected, I aim to:
– Help form Young Labour groups in all areas
– Hold campaigning events in fully accessible locations
– Create a Co-Produced Youth Vision for our region, which form part of Elections manifestos
– Expand the use of Dialogue and Social Media in campaigning
– Being transparent about my voting and views on committee
– And work with ANYONE – regardless of views across the party

‘All we ask is the chance to serve’ - lets prove it, together!

ENDS

Funeral Eulogy for my Wonderful Brother: Kieran Singh Hawker

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 13:00:00 GMT

This is the full Eulogy I gave to Kirean, at his funeral service for Family and Friends yesterday

NOTE: There is one swear word in the following oration and the name of Kieran's partner is not stated

The East Chapel, Bushbury Crematorium, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Monday January 31st 2022

"Celebrant Hickinbotham, family, and friends.

On behalf of my Mother Daljit, Father William, brother’s Keanu and Kulraj and Kieran’s wonderful partner, I want to thank you all for your attendance this morning.

Knowing that I’m here giving the eulogy at the funeral of my 25-year-old brother, just 6 days after having an audience with The Earl of Wessex at work with several colleagues , very much illustrates the brutalness of life and the rollercoaster we all collectively ride.

These last several weeks have defined a rollercoaster in coming to terms of the loss – of not just a brother, but one simply decent and wonderful man.

The wonder of “WHY?” and the guilt of “How could I have helped him more?” will certainly live with me for the rest of my days.

However, all of us have felt immensely comforted, as a result of the enormous and incredible support given through messages of sympathy and other means of support in the last 5 and a bit weeks and I very much place our fullest thanks and appreciation on record. It has genuinely meant the world.

Even if the passing of a 25-year-old is beyond tragic, the story of Kieran’s life is one to be celebrated, knowing it saw a sometimes shy but outgoing guy grow up in rural Worcestershire and urban Wolverhampton and eventually took him to studying, living and finding true love in our capital city.

On the element of love, I have no doubt that the future which his partner and Kieran had together; not least after a considerable period of dating, was one that would have been fulfilling and life lasting. May you (the partner) know, that you are forever part of our family.

You can know that the man you came to know, was one whose ambition for success was measured and principled; measured through his cracking knowledge of French and International Business which he was studying at the University of Westminster and principled thanks to him remembering his roots.

Those roots were laid in the beautiful town of Great Malvern in Worcestershire, which once saw him share a session of secondary school detention with singer Cher Lloyd. I’m not sure what he fully thought about Cher’s music, but his love of drum and bass tracks; not least Chase and Status’s End Credits was something he couldn’t help sharing.

Another wonder in himself was his creative side, particularly through his A* art and some epic Marvel drawings and love of the French language – the latter of which served me very well, when revising for a module which I self-took at University in 2018.

On the sporting side, he took a narrow view of things, even despite being an Arsenal supporter and this was typically shown whenever I reported to him The Gunners didn’t perform well and his simple response was that of “Shit”. He much preferred martial arts with him having got a few belts up the Taekwondo ladder and very much stopped whenever a Men’s 100M final hit the screen, of which Usain Bolt’s title defence at London 2012 thrilled us all.

Of course too, he did sometimes cause polite havoc; most memorably for me when he once deliberately drove the wrong way on a game of Mario Kart, just for the sake of confusing and annoying the mind and perhaps for some, when on a residential trip to Swansea through an old youth group in Malvern, he and others were somehow kicked out of a Morrisons!

Most of all to me, Kieran’s down to earth nature and sheer love for his people is what we will all strongly remember.

Even if the majority of our calls were greeted through “Yo! What are you up to?”, which the last I had was on November 24 ^th and which I took in my office, I couldn’t help raise a large smile.

Whether those calls was him asking for a financial hand; which made sense whilst living in London and in which I as his brother the majority of the time responded with what I could give, speaking about work where he always felt impressed by my role at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games or on many an occasion chatted politically; not least when I had the honour of running for Council here in Wolverhampton last May , very much invigorated me.

And on the political element, 3 abiding memories of his typical and wonderful support spring to mind:

His attendance to my declaration of being Elected as a Member of the UK Youth Parliament for the city in 2014, where his delight at my victory was maybe too plain for some;
The words of “I can see your smile, after a really great day” once I returned from attending Youth Parliament’s House of Commons sitting on November 14 ^th of that year;
And despite many a struggle for various reasons, him being able to attend my Graduation ceremony, for the BA Politics degree I completed at Sheffield Hallam in November 2019

Some will say those are relatively small things to celebrate, but as an Autistic person: moments of the kind: are to me, simply precious.

They demonstrated the nature of a brother, a man and a human whose has been so cruelly taken away and whose potential to do the most spellbinding things will never be fulfilled.

Once we are comfortable, we will state the reasoning behind Kieran’s body ceasing to function and once we do, I know that I will endeavour to campaign to ensure, that what happened to him, doesn’t happen to others.

To know I or others are never able to pick the phone and speak to him again makes my heart very heavy.

But to know this man existed for exactly 25 years and 8 months is a period which the history of time cannot take away and a privilege which will fill my heart with the biggest honour, knowing Kieran’s life was one that was extraordinarily well lived.

So before we commit him and his soul through closing the curtains, I simply say and in his beloved French: Repose-toi pour toujours mon frère et sache simplement qu'à partir d'ici sur terre, je te ferai toujours baisser les yeux - à la fois avec un sourire profond et plein de fierté ; which in English states forever rest easy bro and simply know that from here on earth, I will always make you look down – both with a deep smile and full of pride. ”

ENDS

ANNOUNCEMENT: I've CHANGED 3 Wolverampton Ward Names!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 06:56:28 GMT

The LGBCE's final recommendations for Wolverhampton are out and mean's I've CHANGED the South East of the city!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS: 07:00GMT - TUESDAY JANUARY 18TH 2022

"I am abolutely delighted and very chuffed, that within the final recommendations, for the re-drawn Electoral Boundaries for the City of Wolverhampton which have been released today by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England , that 3 of my submitted proposals for changed Ward names have been included!

As an individual resident of the city and as someone who greatly feels, that communities need to be better reflected on the ballot paper, I made a formal submission to the review on Monday September 6th 2021 with 17 suggestions for names that I feel would make many more neighbourhoods be recongised electorally.

I am therefore thrilled and somewhat humbled, to see the following name changes be made in the report as above linked - all I note being in the Wolverhampton South East constituency, held by the superb Pat McFadden:

1) BILSTON EAST TO BECOME BILSTON SOUTH (My full submission was Bilston South, Ladymoor and Loxdale)

2) ETTINGSHALL TO BECOME ETTINGSHALL NORTH

3) SPRING VALE TO BECOME ETTINGSHALL SOUTH AND SPRING VALE

I very much feel that these changes - which will come into affect at Thursday May 4th 2023's City of Wolverhampton Council Elections and will elect all 60 Council seats; are the start in terms of giving Wulfrunians a new kind of voice and ensuring that the richness, vibrency and locality of the city is reflected on as big as scale as possible.

Finally and in the words of the 44th President of the United States in Barack Hussain Obama: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time." And seeing I've through engagement and involvement in such a process and thought how I can make the place I live better for the next generation: Mr President; I am fully with you!"

NOTE: MY Full recommendations to the Commission were as follows, with the existing ward name on the left in black and my proposals following the dash in orange:

Bilston East – Bilston South , Ladymoor and Loxdale

Bilston North – Bilston North, The Crescent and Portobello

Blakenhall – Blakenhall and Goldthorn Park

Bushbury North – Fordhouses and Northwood Park

Bushbury South and Low Hill – Low Hill and Fallings Park

East Park – East Park and Moseley Village

Ettingshall – Ettingshall North

Fallings Park – Bushbury Hill, The Scotland’s and Wood Hayes

Graiseley – No Change

Heath Town – Heath Town and New Cross

Merry Hill – No Change

Oxley – Oxley and Pendeford

Park – Newbridge, Merridale and Park

Penn – No Change

Spring Vale – Ettingshall South and Spring Vale

St Peter's – The City, Dunstall and Molineux

Tettenhall Regis – Claregate, Tettenhall Village and Stockwell End

Tettenhall Wightwick – Compton, Castlecroft and Tettenhall Wightwick

Wednesfield North – Ashmore Park and Wednesfield North

Wednesfield South – March End, The Neachells and Wednesfield South

END.

2021 – A year of Tangible Achievement, despite some Tears

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:53:58 GMT

Despite the last week and parts of this year being HORRIBLE, I still do look back at 2021 with achievement and pride.

The 4 days has undoubtedly made it extremely tough to pull correct sentences together, after sharing the news of the loss of my Brother on Christmas Day.

But with 2021 at a close; despite such tragedy taking me and my folk into 2022 full of sorrow, I can still look back at this year deep of pride and look ahead at the next, knowing how game changing it will be for my little bit of land I live within.

Firstly, I want to give a heartfelt thank you for everyone’s messages and comments of sympathy, which have totalled well over 200 across my social channels. Seeing such love has made things since Monday much easier to bear and gives me full confidence, that we can look back at Kieran’s life as one very well lived.

And once I am ready, I will share a post here with some memories of a great man, which included whilst at The Chase Secondary School in Great Malvern in 2007/2008, him once share a session of detention with Cher Lloyd!

The pain of losing a loved one, adds to the list of sad things, including of having COVID-19 in late November and early December, Isolating three times which included me missing Grand Prix Weekend, losing a EURO 2020 ticket thanks to only 25% capacity at Hampden Park, seeing my plans for the end of October and November for games at the Rugby League World Cup be delayed for a whole year, as well as not making the dent in my student overdraft thanks to me being at the bottom of the ladder, suffering at home during Lockdown 3 thanks to a slightly annoying twin and feeling probably more sorry for myself then I should, knowing my run for office was always going to end in defeat.

It has certainly wanted to make me roll into a ball and wonder HOW do I get out of such holes many times, as somewhat referred to in this post in July – posted once I’d got my breath back from the drama at Copse Corner on Lap 1…

However, and despite the low moments, it has been another busy year, which illustrated the need to carry on working immensely hard and therefore gave me some big successes, as well as tick off some lifetime dreams of mine too.

These have included running for office at just 23 in May for Labour here in Wolverhampton ; which despite resulting of losing was a cracking experience which will make future political campaigns much stronger, becoming Co-Chair of a magnificently powerful Youth Board in this region of the award winning Young Combined Authority, raising a ton of money for two extraordinary charities by sleeping out at Molineux Stadium, growing tremendously in my work role at Birmingham 2022, engaging again with Solutions for the Planet and Changing Our Lives, volunteering at the home of UK motorsport of Silverstone at August’s MotoGP race and get back out in the world; particularly thanks to the joy of my trip on Anthem of the Seas in October (which posts on the mega ship and the visits to Liverpool and Belfast are planned), STEPS out of this world gig and a fun trip to the Darts both in November.

All of the above very much sums up a year full of challenge and sadness, but one I know I can feel happy with the work done within.

At 24, I am at the start of what will be a challenging but completely fulfilling career and with my employers putting on a breathtaking and simply unbelievable event in the 22 ^nd Commonwealth Games and my team preparing to showcase our region’s staggering cultural offering through the Birmingham 2022 Festival between March-September, I know that all will be worth it.

2022 will also see me seek that next career step post the games, as well as seeing Little Mix on tour for the last time in a wee while, seeing that bunch of RLWC matches, quite possibly seeing the mighty Wolves in Europe once again, me making more strides in my personal life, being at my 1st Grand Prix in 3 years as part of several Race Makers weekends, representing our young people in as strong as measure possible and be both part of new projects and campaigning for new causes.

I again want to give everyone I know, my fullest appreciation for the support across 2021, which has been shown in the most wonderful and sensitive way across the last week.

And it’s in that thankful and humbled fashion, I wish you all a very Happy New Year however you mark the change in the calendar, and I can say here, these next 12 months particularly will have the spirit of my late brother right in my heart – knowing he was beyond proud of me, and I was beyond proud of him.

Kieran Hawker - 1996-2021

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 20:12:02 GMT

I issue a heartbreaking statement on behalf of my family, along with a Personal Statement below

Kieran Hawker

April 25 ^th , 1996-December 25 ^th , 2021

It is with the greatest heartbreak and the deepest possible sorrow, that on behalf of the Hawker family, I announce the untimely death of my wonderful brother and my parent's beloved son in Kieran, at the tender age of just 25.

Kieran passed away peacefully with loved ones and his wonderful partner at his bedside, on the evening of Christmas Day (Saturday December 25 ^th , 2021). We will publicly not disclose the cause of death.

I want to pass on our deepest and most heartfelt thanks, to everyone at the West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth and the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust who cared for him and who did everything they could, to save his young life over a several day stay.

Our appreciation also goes to those who have given us an arm to lean on, since sharing the news in confidence with relevant people across the last 48 hours; particularly with our close friends and my case: with immediate work colleagues. It has made us all feel incredibly comforted and has shown the extraordinary and simply decent nature of human beings.

I ask that our privacy is respected in this painful period, as we try and fill a gaping hole left by his loss; along with arranging his Funeral in early 2022: which will be strictly invitation only.

Rest in Peace Kieran and we couldn’t be more thankful, to have had you in our lives.

Personal Statement

"I have lost a brother in Kieran, whose simply sublime talent has been left unfulfilled – particularly with him being a student at the University of Westminster studying the degree of BA French with International Business.

This was an area which I know he would have made an incredible impact within in a future career, and he was a man who was both most supportive in my political ambitions and was immensely proud of the career path I’ve been forging.

And even despite my busy schedule in 2022, I will carry your late soul through everything I do, along with blessing my Mum and our simply wonderful dogs in Bruno and Harley with love more than ever and always make sure you beam down on us, with the deepest and biggest pride.

Rest easy bro; I will miss you with all my heart."

Merry Christmas! And Be Hopeful!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 21:25:58 GMT

My message this Christmas: Be HOPEFUL and know YOU can achieve amazing things!

This Christmas: and towards the end of a simply busy and incredible 2021, my message to all of you is to feel hopeful and that you can certainly achieve many things!

To know that this year, I’ve stood for public office and increased Tettenhall Labour’s vote; that I’ve become Co-Chair of the Young Combined Authority; that I’ve massively developed my Administration skills through my once in a generation role and Apprenticeship at Birmingham 2022; that I’ve again engaged with two incredible organisations in Changing Our Lives and Solutions for the Planet; volunteered at Silverstone and raised four figures by sleeping out for Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and The Good Shepherd – all makes me one man full of massive pride.

To also see that I’ve slowly come out of my social shell and have solely been on a Cruise which took me to Belfast for the 1 ^st time; seen Wolverhampton Wanderers 11 times this campaign; had many a pub visit with colleagues and friends and my first club night last week in more than 2 years; been back gigging thanks to the wonder of STEPS; seeing the joyful sport of Darts in the flesh; the Race Makers group expanding my friendships and more stuff in between, has all given me memories and again grown my confidence, which as an Autistic man is greatly critical.

And to know it’s happened within a 3 ^rd COVID Lockdown, as well as despite having had the virus, within the usual challenges of work and family life, makes me living extremely worth-while.

My pride is especially deep from November 12 ^th ’s Molineux Sleepout, which has raised over £50k collectively and through my efforts – saw my fundraising hit £735 and with my entry fee and Gift Aid on top, take me to a wonderful £1,060! To know that such money I’ve raised and had over 70 contributions to, is being used to help TRANSFORM LIVES across the city which has given me so much, will forever keep me humbled.

I give a huge thanks, to all who have been immensely supportive within another productive; whether colleagues, friends and family members, even if it’s been a slightly challenging 12 months as stated within July’s post – particularly knowing of things happening at present and what is to come.

I also express my full love, to all of you who for whatever reason have an empty seat at the table this year and always know your missed friend or loved one, is looking down full of pride.

From my household to yours – celebrating or not, I hope you have a really lovely Christmas Day and just remember that their folks across the land and the planet, who want to make our lives better than now and always know, I am forever part of that fight!

ANNOUNCEMENT: 2022 LOCAL ELECTIONS

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 13:57:56 GMT

I have Final and long considered announcement, regarding the 2022 Locals.

As a note at the start – I am publishing this, whilst suffering with Coronavirus which I tested Positive for on Saturday November 27 ^th , so I hope this all makes sense when reading!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS: 14:00PM GMT - FRIDAY DECEMBER 3RD 2021

Selections for Labour Candidates, to run for the party on May 5 ^th in the City of Wolverhampton have finally begun and with that being the case, I wish to declare of where I stand in a number of areas and a decision which I have made as a result.

Politics is in a period where voices like mine, are needed more than ever – knowing of the huge set of crises our nation and the globe collectively face. I have no doubt that through my advocacy for disabled people, representing 16-25-year-olds across the region through the Young Combined Authority – which last week landed our 1 ^st award from the Royal Town Planning Institute and in many more arenas, I can continue to fight for the better world and in fact better Wolverhampton we need.

However – through the extraordinary opportunity I have in working at the Birmingham 2022 Festival – which come it’s end in September will see me seeking new employment, is going to be one of the most hectic, rewarding and fulfilling years of my existence to date. Knowing how burnt out I felt after May 2021’s poll, I certainly wish not for that to be the case, in the run up to playing my small part in the West Midlands biggest ever event; which I have no doubt will transform our patch of land forever.

I also feel that the shattered feeling post the ballot, was thanks to the joy of running in the area where unless an asteroid destroyed all of mankind barring one Labour voter, then my party would never be able to achieve victory. That disappointment is something I wish to not disrupt myself as I go about my important responsibilities ahead of the games and of which also makes me believe that I can’t crack it politically.

Also and via the information which I have received, through myself sitting on the newly established Local Government Committee, the options for myself on the table further confirm that both being patient in seeking a winnable seat, along with getting used to inner party-structures and vitally building up my campaign experience, will be more beneficial in the present circumstances.

A s a result of what I have just outlined, I have with some reluctance but with full confidence come to the conclusion that I will NOT seek nomination for the wards which are available for selections, unless any of the following circumstances occur:

I am directly asked by a ward or senior leadership in the city group to put my name forward
That a ward has no nominations, and they are in need of what they deem to be a suitable candidate
Or if a trigger ballot causes the deselection of an existing Councillor and of which is a ward, that I deem I can win both in a selection and at the polls on May 5 ^th

Some no doubt will pose the question “why chuck such a good opportunity away?” As mentioned above, I feel that the opportunities that lie across 2022 and the inevitable change I will have, gives me more than enough to contend with.

And with 2023 being Election’s on new boundaries and all 60 planned seats being elected to, I am confident that what I’ve outlined above, will leave me in a stronger position to approach; particularly with my ambition to support all candidates across the city and through this announcement, I very offer myself to do a campaign session, in all 20 wards across our city.

I hugely look forward to enhancing such campaigning and through a lot less stress, help my Labour and Co-operative Party colleagues to success on May 5 ^th .

STATEMENT: WM City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Funding Response

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 10:39:23 GMT

My response, to a fairly positive outcome of a major bid for better and greener Transport!

WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands – 11:45am, Saturday October 23 ^rd , 2021

“I express my delight and fully welcome the announcement by Her Majesty’s Treasury, at the West Midlands Combined Authority being awarded £1.05 BILLION , from the Government's new City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund.

This funding is I gather, the largest single awarding of transport funding in our region's history and is a significant step forward, in the ambition of the Combined Authority and Transport for West Midlands, to both improve connectivity (particularly via the Metro and the Rapid Transit Bus network) and help achieve the 2041 deadline for a net-zero carbon region.

The full detail is to be ironed out in the coming months, but with the expansion of the Metro, the building of new Railway stations, further Electronic Charging Points, enhancements to buses (with hopefully more to come from the Bus Service Improvement Plan fund) and more, will mean that between 2022-2027, tangible, fast and much needed improvements will come our way.

It is naturally disappointing, that the full £1.7 Billion bidded for was not awarded and with Portfolio Lead for Transport Cllr Ian Ward, telling us on the Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee yesterday that "we were told to overbid", should rightfully make Government think carefully for future schemes. Knowing too that this was a process against 6 of the other Mayoral Authority areas, means the risk of going all out will mean other plans will be halted and that is gutting; both here in WM and right across each authority, knowing of the work that needs to take place to support the "Levelling Up" agenda.

Nevertheless, funding of the kind - which ultimately helps the lives of our population is always positive and I look forward to seeing this green led transformation of transport, spring to life in a way not seen before!"

ENDS

A Few Project Updates!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 16 Oct 2021 10:17:37 GMT

Several Project updates, plus a Fundraising Announcement - written at sea!

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL’S ANTHEM OF THE SEA’S – 11:15AM BST, SATURDAY OCTOBER 16 ^TH 2021

In stating a few updates, which I write from Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas, heading up to Liverpool and Belfast in the coming days, I commence by expressing my fullest shock and horror, at yesterday’s murder of Southend West’s Member of Parliament in Sir David Amess.

Whether on fighting for Animal Welfare, raising awareness on Endometriosis, really taking the stories those at the bottom of the income scale to his heart, rights in the Middle East and much more inbetween – more than 38 years of continued service in the House of Commons is something that the whole nation will be grateful for.

In giving my full condolences to Sir David’s family, I hope that all at Westminster; particularly Wolverhampton’s 3 Member’s in Stuart Anderson, Pat McFadden and Jane Stevenson all feel as safe whilst undertaking their incredible duties, of serving our city and its people. Public servants are among the best of our people and no matter the political colours, ultimately seek to serve and everyone should appreciate this more than ever.

Service is in my heart and has been since 2011, which gives me delight to state a few things on here; particularly in case yourself doesn’t follow my various social media accounts.

Firstly, I have confirmed to the West Midlands Combined Authority and Aspire4U, that I will be remaining on the Young Combined Authority Board, until the 2022/2023 Board are appointed at this stage next year.

These two years have made me truly realise that the West Midlands is where I belong and where I seek to serve to the best of my abilities and to supplement that, I have indicated of my interest in a 2021/2022 Co-Chair and as of yesterday, I understand that I was the only member who had done so. Regardless of whether I am appointed, I endeavour to make my 3 ^rd and final YCA year the best one yet and I hugely look forward to meeting the new members, which will come from a pool of 110 applicants!

I can also confirm that alongside having submitted my Application, to seek Selection for The Labour Party for the 2022 Local Elections on September 24 ^th , I this week took part in my 1 ^st meeting on the party’s new Local Government Committee – at the invitation of Council Leader Ian Brookfield. Along with seeing the progress of Election Selections, which the process for are now underway, it will give me a very good understanding of Labour’s structures and the purpose of its existence.

And knowing of the nature of politics in our city and within my very party, I feel my influence within the city’s Labour Group can now increase to a good level. This alone makes me excited and confident at helping to rebuilding our fortunes, providing people always know it’s delivering what counts and that they don’t seek to divide us, unlike some individuals…

In remaining positive and through the wonderful people at Changing Our Lives, I will in December be partaking in a new project named Colouring of the Lines, which will mark 20 years of the organisation in 2022 and the incredible role, that myself and other BAME young people have played in its work!

Also positive and despite my qualms, is my return to the fold with fan representation for Wolverhampton Wanderers. With some reluctance, but with a fresh mind, I accepted the role of Vice-Digital Media and Sport Support Content Officer, on the Wolves 1877 Supporter’s Trust, at its latest meeting on September 21 ^st . I look forward to working with the Officer in the excellent Stephen Bailey and ensuring that our social media content is relevant, engages Wanderers fans and reflects the important work currently being undertaken.

Last Thursday also marked another positive meeting of the West Midlands Trains Stakeholder Equality Group, which thanks to a new National Rail Contract now in place, has seen it’s budget for a Small Improvements Scheme DOUBLED from £200,000 to £400,000! This is a development that I am sure will be welcomed, knowing that the network’s stations are among the most crucial around the UK.

Finally, I have wondered when my next major Fundraising effort would be and through the power of the Wolves, November 12 ^th will see that occur at Molineux, for the Wolves Foundation’s 2 ^nd Sleepout.

All funds raised will to the Foundation and local charity The Good Shepherd who have this week secured a new permanent home, of which delights me, will delight all and will ensure that their critical work will grow as time goes by. My target is £150 and knowing I’ve already hit £125, fills me with huge humbleness, for what will be a emotional and powerful experience. Please donate what you can, via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kashmire-Hawker and collectively, we can help ensure Wulfrunians have both a roof over there heads and as full as stomachs as possible.

On that note and with a couple more articles for this website in mind, I shall enjoy the beauty of a marvellous ship!

ENDS

STATEMENT: West Midlands Combined Authority Bid to the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund and Bus Service Improvement Plan fund

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 08:45:10 GMT

Here is my formal response, to Radical and Game-Changing plans confirmed yesterday!

WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands – Saturday September 18 ^th , 2021: 09:45am

Kashmire Hawker – Wolverhampton based member of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (WMYCA), the board’s Co-Portfolio Lead for Transport and an Independent Member of the West Midlands Trains Stakeholder Equality Group, releases the following statement, following the agreement of the West Midlands Combined Authority Board on Friday September 17 ^th , 2021, to bid for funding from the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund and Bus Service Improvement Plan fund:

“I warmly and greatly welcome the WMCA’s agreement, to make a formal submission to Government for funding which would transform our region’s transport infrastructure, illustrate the region’s commitment to enhance residents lives and crucially of which continue to respond, to the climate emergency.

With the Department for Transport seemingly at the forefront of the Prime Minister’s pledge to “Levelling Up” the nation; particularly with DfT’s scheduled move to Birmingham due soon , it is only right that the West Midlands asks for its slice of the pie, knowing of the tremendous impact such funding would make to all who live, work and study here.

The need for cleaner and greener modes of transport, are powerfully highlighted in plans to expand our excellent West Midlands Metro, alongside seeking to obtain 200 new and zero-hydrogen buses, more rapid charging points for electric vehicles, transforming several existing rail stations and 16 new cycle routes across our patch; all of which importantly fits within the #WM2041 plan , which seeks WM to go fully carbon-neutral in just 20 years’ time.

This radical and bold thinking, along with the certainty given to West Midlands Trains – through their new 3-year National Rail contract confirmed last Friday which is significant for passengers and of which I fully welcome, makes the future of clean, green and easy to access Transport an exciting one.

I just hope that Government has the same ambitions and I look forward to supporting Transport for West Midlands and the Combined Authority, alongside my Young Combined Authority colleagues in achieving as much – if not all of what has been rightfully set out this week.”

ENDS

Turning 24! A Few Thoughts!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 22:17:40 GMT

I hit another age this day! And some thoughts, don't go without a miss!

I felt with me turning 24-years-old and beginning what folk call Chapter 25 today, that I would give a perspective on what has been a simply crazy year since hitting 23 last September.

And for 365 whole days, which has seen me stand for public office, open my eyes to our extraordinary cultural universe, get back out into society post two lockdowns (as per the cover image, of me meeting THE LEGENDS of Steps last weekend!) and face some rather big challenges at home, it has very much made me learn a lot and reflect what I’ve achieved.

Of course, I do first say a wider thank you – particularly to the teams at Birmingham 2022, the West Midlands Combined Authority, Changing Our Lives, Solutions for the Planet and Silverstone Circuit for allowing me to play a small part in their operations.

Whether through the joys of my job at the B2022 Organising Committee, which has demonstrated the sheer importance of the region’s cultural industry and the incredibly humbling role my team have in it (which I with all my heart thank my colleagues, for being as supportive as they have!), to being engaged with the region’s leaders and making sure my generation’s voices are shouted about and whether through my eagerness to see how young people flourish in the world of STEAM through S4TP’s Big Ideas competition and beginning my Volunteering adventures at the UK’s Home of Motorsport, has given me moments to look back on with immense pride.

On the Combined Authority, with 2 WMCA Board Speeches made, countless contributions to the Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee given (which I hugely thank Cllr Cathy Bayton for allowing me to form a part of!), being in a Video to promote the IncludeMe West Midlands project, in a yet unreleased photoshoot for the Jobs and Skills Academy and many more things in between, I feel thrilled at the opportunities to prove my capabilities having come my way.

Of course, it would strange not to say a big thanks to my fellow Labour Party Members, for enabling me to fully dip my toes into the Political waters on May 6th. With the 2022 Candidates form landed in the inbox this week, I feel obligated to improve, develop and one day become that Councillor which people believe I can be and with how the party is, that journey will intensify.

And of course, my family deserve the largest thanks for their constant encouragement and despite 2 Lockdowns in the last year – enabling me to stay as resilient as possible. Knowing of the change which we will soon experience – thanks to how the last few months have panned out (which I will not state anything public now), I am confident that through it all, myself continuing to look after one another and yourselves wishing to back my every step, will collectively make us stronger!

This next year for me, I aim to make one that prepares for hitting 25 next year, but ensuring I am as healthy, financially stable and motivated and engaged as possible. Knowing how the pandemic has still made me fell rather lonely and that there are many days that tiredness and pain dominates my body, means I still have a long way to go in feeling good about myself. No doubt it doesn’t help with consistent pressure and concerns, however I am hugely pleased at the number of things in place to give support and I shall use them with fullness and openness.

I will use another piece, with my thoughts and fuller targets for now until September 15 ^th , 2022, but to have found new ground and passions to use in a bigger way – particularly through the simply exemplary team at Silverstone, fills me with the deepest possible pride and will give me many more moments to savour going forward.

With today being another busy work day, I shall even with slight anxiety about the now don several smiles, knowing I am in a city and a period, where an impact is being made and despite many odds: demonstrating that “nothing is impossible, when you put your mind to it!”

Here’s to a year, that really enables me to take off and for all who appreciate such a task, I say both ta very much and that simply: “I’ll try my utmost!”

THE 2021 MONSTER ENERGY BRITISH GRAND PRIX MOTOGP – A Weekend of Learning, Length and Loving People!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 19:15:14 GMT

My thoughts on a smashing Weekend at THE HOME of Motorsport!

As I stated 6 weeks ago, the pain and heartbreak of missing the Formula 1 British Grand Prix is a feeling that wasn’t going to leave my mind for many a year. In typing this at Towcester’s Costa whilst waiting for a bus to Northampton and on a train back to Birmingham, that feeling very much still resonates.

However, and thankfully three weeks after the gutting blow, I received the invitation 18 months in the making: to do my first weekend as part of the 400+ strong Silverstone Race Maker team, for the first MotoGP race since 2019’s biblical on-the-line victory for Alex Rins.

And with the last few weeks at home being difficult (for reasons certainly not to explain right now), the opportunity of my first visit outside of the West Midlands since January 16 ^th , 2020, is one I can say was worthwhile.

Of course, being one of several newbies across the team naturally meant a few awkward moments; particularly with people’s names, length of time which they have been part of the Race Maker programme and where folk reside - which naturally, I am delighted the West Midlands has many! Having said that, everyone’s collective kindness, decency and friendliness made me feel just at home – knowing of the unique combination that Motorsport and Voluntary service runs through one and all.

I first knew of their outstanding pedigree, whilst donning the bright yellow shirts of Global Security Stewarding (now in the Blue of Sierra 1 Security Stewarding) of Sheffield, for the 2018 blazing hot Formula 1, the 2018 rained-off MotoGP (hope the F1 family have dried off in Belgium!) and 2019 Formula 1 (overshadowed by England’s marvellous Cricket World Cup win) in my Student days. The energy is the most boundless I’ve ever known and alongside that, folks’ friendly nature made my decision to apply for a spot in the 2020 recruitment the most straightforward thing in recent memory.

It makes me rather annoyed to know and have been told of experiences, that at every event a small minority of the public like to put the blame of the Pink and Blue army. I would simply say to all reading this and who heads to Silverstone: we can’t solve everything and if you have an issue, be clear about it but remember the need for respect in the process!

As for the weekend and the duties I had, my location was that of the unroofed but brilliant viewing point of the Village A grandstand. This is located within the circuit’s Zone 8 and covers the stands at Farm, Village and the trackside viewing down the Wellington Straight – alongside the vast Entertainment Zone, where Dizzy Rascal seemingly made several thousand go Bonkers on Saturday… Again I also say big thanks to my fellow Zone 8 team members, for making me extremely welcome and I would happily work with you anywhere across the track.

There are around 1,300/1,400 seats and is primed in an areas where at least half of the track is viewable. Alongside the flow of Farm Curve – a place primed for Motorcyclists heading straight for an accident and Village corner itself, fans can also see The Loop, Aintree and the majority of the Wellington Straight; which from the top is a superb sight and behind it the stunning Maggots and Becketts Complex (where Mr Marquez was hugely lucky on Friday), the flick of, all of The Hangar Straight, Stowe Corner and the run down to the Vale Chicane.

In being partnered with an experienced member of the crew, I felt very much at ease with his several years of volunteering in the bank, even despite him having to cover the covered Village B on Sunday thanks to a few dropouts and an ill Steward or two. Out of each day and despite being on my own on Sunday, Race Day actually felt the easiest, as a result of significant space remaining in the stand and everyone enjoying the occasion and the MANY Marc & Alex Marquez flags from their Fan Clubs, unlike the Friday and Saturday custom of General Admission ticket holders being able to rove anywhere they please.

That in itself meant a packed house for Saturday qualifying and many a Valentino Rossi fan embracing the 2 ^nd part, of a long and deserved goodbye (just a shame about his rear tire hitting the cliff quickly!) and myself just about grabbing a spot at the top, to see the action, ensuring everyone looked okay and keeping a close eye for problems, particularly of those who love to smoke and vape – which rightfully is not permitted in such an area.

At the forefront of my mind, was ensuring people knew where they were going, interacting with them in a pleasing and approachable manner, giving out many a Entertainment Guide which becomes your bible across the weekend and of course raving about the love of two wheels. It didn’t surprise me that with most betting on a Fabio Quartararo victory, he delivered in as cool and measured manner as needs be after he swopped in front early on. I very much see a 65 point lead with up to 6 races to go as uncatchable and the 22 Year Old Frenchmen looks fully enroute to the ultimate crown.

The other big highlight in my mind alongside the exploits of Fabio, Valentino, Cal Crutchlow (on the Yamaha, for probably the nicest one off possible) and Jake Dixon (who did what he could on his debut), was that of Sam Lowes in Moto2, where after an intense battle ended in a 4 ^th placed finish. The start to take the lead on the Opening Lap was sublime and rightfully sent the place into pandemonium and no doubt illustrates a man who after his season with Aprilia in 2017, deserves to give the top class a 2 ^nd bite of the cherry.

In finishing up and as mentioned, the combination of Sport and wanting to give back makes such a Programme and involvement within it extremely special. Many people look to events of the kind to make them feel happy, give them memories to last a lifetime and see people do their best for society and the nation.

As a 23 and going 24-year-old with Autism, it again proves that anyone can do that they hope and in my explicit opinion, if the Government were to make Volunteering – for up to a week, at least one a year compulsory, then I would feel delighted knowing of the ways such experiences can change people and, in many cases, change them for the better.

With the MotoGP championship rolling on to Aragon on September 12 ^th , I hugely look forward to keeping an eye on the business end of the season and preparing for many more trips to the area key to West Northamptonshire District Council, hopefully commencing with the Round 8 and Races 22, 23 and 24, of a mega tightly fought Kwit Fit British Touring Car Championship on September 25 ^th and 26 ^th !

The major question is: will defending Champion Ashley Sutton and Laser Tools Racing finally shine a light, knowing he has yet to crack at on the National Circuit? ��

STATEMENT - Wolverhampton's bid for 2025 UK City of Culture

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:03:27 GMT

My Response, to today's VERY exciting announcement by Leader Ian Brookfield!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS - UK: 17:05PM, THURSDAY JULY 22ND 2021

“I am absolutely delighted and excited, at today's news that the Wolverhampton Cultural Compact; representing a cross-sector of organisations, will be seeking to make this City of Opportunity the next UK City Of Culture in 2025!

To call the City of Wolverhampton my home, makes me full of deep pride - as a result of the extraordinary transformation it has seen in recent years and thanks to our heritage, which really makes us special.

From places including The Grand Theatre, Molineux, Monmore Green, The Light House, Civic Halls, The Art Gallery, Wightwick Manor, Bantock House and even "The Man On The Oss" - to our superstars including Liam Payne, Beverley Knight, Hugh Porter, Radzi Chinyanganya , Suzi Perry, Trevor Gadd, Denise Lewis ,Robert Plant, Baroness Helene Hayman, Tessa Sanderson, Nigel Slater, Sarah Clarke, Mervyn King , Caitlin Moran and the late Rachael Hayhoe-Flint, Jack Taylor, and Sir Jack Hayward; all symbolises the spectacular depth of talent who we have produced.

With over £4 Billion of investment happening and lined up, our Football and Speedway Teams flying the flag magnificently, a diverse and young population and places as above mentioned, Wolverhampton feels primed and ready to further show ourselves to the world.

With the aim of going big on Events, Music, Creativity and Digital, we have a platform to make prime use of and with support from across the region, can make 2025 one of our most unique years ever.

Many people may have mocked this city previously, but with change happening and a rich history being created, OUR TIME IS NOW and I look forward with all my heart, to supporting what will be a bid that reflects who we are and creating a legacy to be fully proud of!"

2021 - You Are A PAIN and Makes My Mind Hurt!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 13:32:19 GMT

More than Halfway through 2021, let me say that it has NOT been easy.

A BITTERSWEET TREAT: Myself watching Qualfying for the FIA Formula 2 Championship at Silverstone, via my Television at home whilst Self-Isolating, on Friday July 16th 2021

Sitting here, typing this website piece – when I should have instead been enjoying the 29C heat and the glory of the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix 2021; within my Club Corner Block A seat, very much symbolises the challenge and the annoyance that this extraordinary year, that has gripped my bones, mind and soul.

Without question first of all, upon receiving Thursday morning’s “Ping” by NHS Test and Trace, I was never not going to follow its advice; particularly with one’s employer having a COVID-19 policy which makes it clear that anyone who is notified, should follow its requirement. And I firstly state a massive kudos to the Birmingham 2022 Health and Safety team, who have been utterly faultless when it comes to ensuring COVID safety within the workplace.

The agony of having to see this weekend’s spectacular proceedings, from the dining table chair and not among the biggest crowd for a Government Research Event; particularly knowing the PM and Chancellor have today and unsurprisingly had originally been placed within a trial of “Daily Contact Testing”, deepens my anger at what is the most RECKLESS, shameful and disgusting bunch of incompetents, ever let us on the leavers of Government in our nation's history and confirms the mantra that it is one rule them and another for the rest.

It’s that feeling of missing out and wondering what could have been and should be, has shaped my thoughts about 2021 in a nutshell, on top of various pressures at home and knowing I need to get into full shape and being fully honest, has made my mind a rather weird place.

Knowing that I am still the only member of my household, who is in employment and thus the only income earner, makes me full of both regret and deep sadness. This has been a massive element of stress, which has been placed upon my shoulders – with how the nation has had a financial squeeze like no other and the brutal way that the Pandemic has placed such a large burden on families.

This, added on to other elements and things, which has on many a day caused sheer chaos in my household: has made it sometimes the definition of hell to live within. I genuinely fear not just for myself, but very much my Mother, thanks to the way which fallouts between brothers are fairly regular and on my many a day, has meant me wishing to curl into a ball. Things are being resolved at present, but it has certainly played a massive part.

No doubt too – the wonder of Politics and feeling that I have seen things slip away, has been a secondary factor as to why this year has felt a nightmare. Of course; the opportunity to stand back on May 6 ^th was one I am forever grateful for and the progress The Labour Party made in Tettenhall Wightwick, is something that I will never under estimate.

However, since then and based on many a conversation, I feel extremely conflicted as to what my political future holds, with some giving me immense encouragement to run again in 2022, but others being blunt and stating one should get my career sorted – particularly post the Commonwealth Games. I fully understand what both sides think, but it fully has put my mind in a pickle, that committing one way than another will see further opportunities slip through my fingers.

I can’t help have felt utterly shattered, that the first Election I stood within, was in a totally hopeless ward for my party and thus seeing others benefit and WINNING IN PLACES, THAT I SHOULD BE WITHIN, truly makes me wonder what else I have to do – expect to continue to build relationships with the right people and strike the right balance between my career and political ambitions. It also does not help, that I was screwed over in TWO separate selection contests, which saw two candidates, successfully switch wards having been originally selected elsewhere and see me losing such a golden opportunity. That practice is the definition of dirty politics and it must stop, otherwise the Electors will continue to reject us!

I am sure that my engagement through the West Midlands Young Combined Authority will help; particularly with the development of Scrutiny and Public Speaking I have had (through the Transport Scrutiny Sub-Committee and WMCA Board) and I just hope that such things will be much more considered by my party and the people, who ultimately determine who gets the nod. A failure to do so, would be catastrophic for Labour’s future and leave us in a deeper mire across our region.

Also seeing others be able to do things including TedX Talks (which by the way Wolverhampton’s edition was a terrific watch!), puts my mind in a spin, as to HOW I am going to be able to do such things. Those things in general, have seriously questioned my capability, my resilience and what else I can achieve in representation circles, and I am more than happy, for practical and mindful advice to come my way.

And the other big factor – which has made me feel annoyed, is the way which COVID- has been handled and thus is a big reason, as to why my Summer plans have gone down the loo. If things had gone right and well, I would both been in Glasgow on June 22 ^nd , for Scotland’s EURO 2020 defeat to Croatia and would have been at The Home Of Motorsport this day, soaking up an occasion that I had been waiting for since March 31 ^st !

Several visits to games in the Rugby League World Cup maybe in October and November, alongside the goodness of STEPS on November 6 ^th , but that is all that remains socially to date. The joy of being in places, with people and sharing a common cause, makes typing this and doing so indoors, a real pain in the backside and excels a feeling of loneliness and depression on to my shoulders. At least with Payday coming up and a 2 ^nd Vaccine on August 25 ^th , Silverstone will finally see me for the MotoGP, and nothing will stop me, from being able to express my passions in 6 weeks’ time – even if its 6 weeks later than planned and much spent for.

With all of this having hit the mind and spent me into a conflicting spin, I will be reaching out to some projects soon that I will feel will give me that boost I need and hopefully give me an avenue to engage with others; particularly disabled people, who feel in the same kind of situation.

And on that, I very much wish to give the biggest thanks to my Birmingham 2022 colleagues, my Young Combined Authority colleagues, Solutions for the Planet, many within the Labour and Co-operative Party’s, Changing Our Lives and my amazing future Silverstone Race Makers, for being a huge pillar in my journey and life. Such understanding and appreciation, has made things much more bearable and still giving me a good number of things – whether 2 further CA Board speeches, Solutions Big Ideas judging and now becoming an Advisory Board member, May 6 ^th ’s candidacy, my Apprenticeship alongside my work role, which is developing me a strong rate and engagement online, with a dedicated and simply marvellous bunch of motorsport lovers, whose passion is used in volunteering fabulously.

All is certainly not lost, but very much feel that I am in Post Malone’s words “Running in Circles” with my life, career and ambitions and all support to find me the right paths – along with keeping me well, would mean the world.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Engagement with Solutions for the Planet

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Extremely Delighted, to have a unique and exciting opportunity - to help show HOPE In Action!

The Joys of Judging! Myself and my fellow Judges, for the 2021 Virtual Big Ideas Central Region Green Final, held on Wednesday June 9th 2021

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS - UK: 12PM, MONDAY JULY 5TH 2021

I am extremely delighted and excited, to be able to today announce my appointment, as an Advisory Board Member for Sustainability focused Social Enterprise Solutions for the Planet!

Having taken part in Solutions Big Ideas Competition in both 2020 and 2021, I share the collective ambition of the organisation who through an ever growing an impressive network of Schools and Businesses - along with the support of large numbers of Members of Parliament, to make "a generation of young people ready and able to respond to 21st century sustainability challenges.

"We want to create a world where sustainable practices are commonplace; every young person is equipped with enterprise skills that benefit people and planet; and social creativity, innovation and diversity is built into every business and workplace."

I give massive thanks to CEO Jen Baughan for enabling this unique and exciting opportunity and knowing the way that the West Midlands Combined Authority are leading the way - through there #WM2041 Climate Vision and the engagement which myself and fellow Young Combined Authority Members are having in making our nation and globe that greener, cleaner and sustainable place it needs to become; I feel in a strong position to help influence the team.

Finally, I am most thrilled that a younger person like myself; has such a chance and with I am extremely confident, that with such engagement with folks like myself, other younger people will also have doors opened and I will use that enthusiasm in the biggest possible way - knowing of the mission seeing HOPE In Action!

ENDS.

SPEECH CONTENT: West Midlands Combined Authority Board's AGM 2021

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:13:54 GMT

Here are my full remarks, for the WMCA Board's AGM that took place today!

BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS - UK: 13:10PM, FRIDAY JUNE 25TH 2021

The following is my speech, which I gave on behalf of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, to the Annual Meeting of the West Midlands Combined Authority - held in an in-person and virtual format, at the Civic Centre, Wolverhampton and on Microsoft Teams, on Friday June 25th, 2021:

"Thank You Very Much Councillor Jones, for your as ever encouraging remarks and thank you Councillor Bayton for your words on Transport Scrutiny.

May I firstly place on record and extend my deepest condolences, to the family and friends of 21-year-old Wulfrunian Shakur Pinnock, who lost his life in June 12 ^th ’s e-Scooter accident on Wolverhampton’s Prestwood Road last Friday. I also extend my love to Shak’s partner Chante Hoosing and her family, in hoping for a full recovery for her and seeing that a £5,000 fundraising target to help support both families has almost been reached, demonstrates the real power of community – even at such a difficult moment.

On behalf of us all on the YCA Board and YCA Community, I give you Mr Mayor, Deputy Mayor Sleigh, Commissioner Foster and all who were Elected 7 weeks ago, our biggest and collective congratulations. We hope you enjoy and cherish every moment of your terms of office.

This report sets out the YCA’s achievements from the past year , which Councillor Jones has just set out and it’s crystal clear that when you read the report, I think you will agree that it has been a big year for us and despite the struggles of the Pandemic, we have truly demonstrated the value of Youth Voice – particularly with us looking like the region we are and celebrating diversity in all areas.

We are extremely proud and full of pride; of the progress we have made and are grateful for the support which yourselves at the CA and the whole team at The Beatfreeks Collective have given us. And with a change of partner for 2021/2022, I express our fullest thanks to the Beatfreeks team, for there helping us to get off the ground, through their energy and non-stop passion since Summer 2019.

And it wouldn’t be true, if I didn’t say that we are beyond thankful to Deborah Cadman OBE for her stellar support and constant engagement with us. The Combined Authority’s loss is certainly Birmingham City Council’s gain and may her ground-breaking work – particularly as a Woman in Politics and Participation long continue.

We are really looking forward to building on this fantastic year over the next 12 months. And on that note Councillor Jones and Board Members, I hand over to the Governance Team who will play a short video which we have produced, to accompany our report that I formally second for noting."

ENDS.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESIGNATION FROM WOLVES FANS PARLIAMENT

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 08:00:53 GMT

I Sadly Confirm my departure, due to a wider disconnect the Committee has with who they serve!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS - UK: 09:45AM, MONDAY JUNE 21ST 2021

On Friday June 11th 2021, I formally resigned my Membership of Wolverhampton Wanderers Fans Parliament and it's Steering Committee.

The letter below to members gives the reasons and I publish it for transparency. I will state no further comment and give my best personal wishes to outgoing Fans Parliament members.

I issue this letter, as my Tendering of Resignation as a Member of Wolverhampton Wanderers Fans Parliament and its Steering Committee, effective immediately.

I firstly wish you give thanks for the opportunity to sit on FP since 2019 and hope the rest of the transition in becoming the Trust – of which I will of course join as a member and look to influence, goes as well as possible.

However, I cannot and will not, play involvement within a kind of body, which does not be transparent to its members, does not be transparent to the fan base and enables the freest and most open thinking.

The fact that today ; you decide to take aim in posting some very basic information; reaffirming the decision taking in January and posting a link to a publicly accessible website (in the FCA’s page for the Trust); of which the fans has every right to know and expect to know, is the clearest indication of this being the case.

Since the shambles of the Annual General Meeting at the turn of 2021, such incoherent leadership has come to pass – not least that in the full member meetings since; no minutes have been published, engagement across the fanbase has been incredibly limited (apart from the one meeting regarding the premise of the Trust) and have often throughout 2020/21; left folk like me and fellow members totally in the dark; as to opportunities of engagement.

And as a 23-year-old, who has always believed that reaching out can making things happen, both disappointed and full of anger.

It is fully understandable therefore Jeff does not like us (even if his comments on Ask Wolves were factually incorrect) , that the fan base despises everything we do and that post the AGM, the club understandably turned it is focus away from us. I’ve regrettably today come to the same view.

If that doesn’t show responsibility must be taken from the top of the Committee; within a world where people need to be more careful than ever to show their true colours and when the football club, needs to be aware of what we think, then I sadly believe the Trust will be doomed to failure. It’s time a new and more kinder generation took the baton of the best representation, and I would urge all who are sensible (of which are many of you), to follow me in leaving this charade of a body.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are a club going places – it’s fully about time that those shouting about fans interests follow the club and with the current leadership; of both the soon to be dead Parliament and the legally formed Trust, I judge that certainly will not be the case.

I wish all of best personal wishes and if anyone thinks I will stay silent once the Trust is live and see only limited change occur – very much don’t assume that will be the case.

I copy this letter to Dave Wood (Wolves Supporter's Liason Officer) for information purposes.

ENDS.

STATEMENT: Merger of Wolverhampton Wanderers Fans' Parliament with Wolves Supporters' Trust

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 11:00:00 GMT

A Formal Announcement on the conclusion of Wolves Fans' Parliament, but an exciting future ahead!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS - UK: 23:00PM, THURSDAY JUNE 10TH 2021

As a result of a meeting held on Tuesday Evening (June 8th 2021) and through a unanmious vote by Members, the operations of Wolverhampton Wanderers Fans Parliament have been concluded and the body will formally dissolve, upon the Parliament's merger into the new WW1877 Supporters' Society Limite d ; to be known as Wolves Supporters' Trust, effective on Saturday July 31st.

Despite the very tricky period, in which Fans Parliament has faced in the last 2 years, it has been a privilage to sit on a body full of passionate and loving Wanderers fans and through this statement, I place on record my thanks to colleagues and fellow members, for steering us through and continuing to - no matter the obsticle and haters, give representation of us; particuarly via the work of the Football Supporters' Association which will continue and strengthen via the Trust.

Along with of course buying membership when launched, I will very much consider what role I could have to play on the Trust's Committee, knowing of the real need for representation that doesn't just reflect the fan base, but also that of our city and the region; which happens to be Europe's youngest.

And with the Government Fan Led Review of football commencing, the danger still existing of a remergance of a Super League proposal and supporters' being constantly underminded by the powers at be, I and I am sure many hundreds of Wolves fans, look forward to ensuring the values of football are upheld and that our City of Opportunity and it's Golden Asset of Wolves, play a stronger and more effective role in the future.

STATEMENT - The Williams-Shapps Rail Review

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 20 May 2021 05:49:53 GMT

A Response from me, to the long awaited Rail Review's publication

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS - UK: 7AM, THURSDAY MAY 20TH 2021

"The outcome of the long awaited Williams-Shapps Rail Review, does signal some positive signs for the future of our incredible and vitally important rail system.

The announcement on Flexible Ticketing, the aims of becoming a world leader in decarbonisation of the industry, making it a green and clean as possible, giving passengers greater opportunities to voice there concerns and ensuring uniquely skilled job opportunities, are among the WMYCA's aims and aspirations as outlined in our February 2021 Vision Document and all should be brought to fruition as soon as possible.

It isn't a surprise, that the Private Sector will continue to play a role, but regardless of that fact - there contibution to the development of train and track has produced major benefits, which I hope will be maintained - particularly on the standards of rolling stock. Seeing that West Midlands Trains have a Stakeholder Equality Group; which I am proud to sit upon, demonstrates that opportunities to shape the future is large.

I and others who love our network, will watch closely how things develop and I super look forward to continuing my dialogue, work with and scrutiny of Transport for West Midlands, the rail companies themselves and hopefully Great British Railways through the as mentioned posts I hold.

END.

STATEMENT: 2022 City of Wolverhampton Council Elections

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Tue, 11 May 2021 07:04:04 GMT

I give you all a formal notice, of my intention!

WOLVERHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM - 8:05am, Tuesday May 11th 2021

Being able to seek public office, at just 23 years of age last week, was a moment full of deep, deep pride. That sense of humbleness and opportunity, is a thing that will live, and I have no doubt strengthen me, knowing of the collective responsibility all within The Labour Party and social democratic politics have, following the shattering blows that we received.

Those defeats and the need, for younger folk in seeking to step forward has born my mind since Friday's results - along with a massive sense of encouragement by colleagues across the party, friends, family and even political opponents; who I again give my congratulations upon their success.

I feel that is incumbent on me, as one of the 22 people from within Labour - who sought to become part of my city's governance, that I act in the best interest of many.

And it on those reasons, that I today state; particularly following the number of chats I have had with folk since last week, that I today formally declare my intention, to seek re-selection to the City of Wolverhampton Panel of Candidates, with the view at this stage of aiming to be on the ballot paper on May 5th, 2022.

I feel that the circumstances have changed enough, as a result of the very clear and stark message that the Electorate gave us last week, for someone like myself to change my original plans (as outlined in October) and be at the heart of listening to our residents, hearing honestly of what can bring them back to supporting my party and therefore enabling stronger support in 12 months’ time.

I will continue dialogue with fellow members in the coming few months and I am happy to speak with anyone, in seeking feedback on my 2021 campaign and the advice I should take, as we approach what will be a city defining Election next year, with all 60 seats up for grabs under new boundaries.

Until it's appropriate, I shall comment no further on the impending processes and look forward immensely, to hopefully seeking to serve the place, that has since August 15th, 2009, given me so much.

END

STATEMENT: RESULT OF THE CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COUNCIL ELECTION, FOR MEMBERS IN THE WARD OF TETTENHALL WIGHTWICK

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 07 May 2021 18:01:17 GMT

My Post Election Statement, on a Day mixed with deep pride and emotion!

WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands – 7pm: Friday May 7 ^th , 2021

I wish to congratulate the Conservative and Unionist Party’s Jonathan Crofts and Ellis Turrell, on their impressive victories in yesterday’s election - for the two City of Wolverhampton Council members for the ward of Tettenhall Wightwick.

Regardless of our party differences, I give them both my warmest and good personal wishes and hope they will enjoy and embrace their shortened Term of Office, before the All Out Election under the new boundaries, on May 5 ^th , 2022.

I also thank my fellow candidates from the Greens and Liberal Democrats, for their contribution to this democratic process – which again resulted in the biggest percentage turnout in the city at 46.64% and I fully extend my best wishes to Chris Brookes, Andrea Cantrill, Peter Hollis and David Marsh.

I give my biggest thanks to my fellow candidate Walker Darke (who has a massive political future here!), my agent Barbara Gwinnett, Don Gwinnett, Allan Hargraves, Chester Morrison, Helen Lewis, Michelle Binfield and the whole Tettenhall Labour team, for the terrific support shown, the advice given and the tens of hours; spent pounding the pavements and for many across the ward up to SIX bits of Election Material!

Most of all, I wish to give my biggest thanks to the 789 residents of Wightwick, who expressed their support at the ballot box, and I state to those folks directly, that your expression of trust, is an experience that I will forever be grateful for. And even if this week ended in defeat, I give a personal undertaking, that I will fight for what you believe within – today and always.

This election; in my mind, was all about expressing what a new, compassionate and decent kind of representation can look like within a ward which has a proud history and a future to embrace. That need for a cleaner and more accessible area, which has better transport, a more co-operative nature of doing things, engagement with our young people, safer housing, well paid jobs and showcasing culture among much more to boot, will form an even bigger part of activism moving forward.

On the result, it was always going be extremely interesting what a 2 Member Ward Election; with all 4 parties having 2 candidates a piece would mean. But Walker standing alongside me, has resulted an increase of our votes and vote share since May 2019 and has laid the foundations, to build upon at future elections.

As part of that consideration and as stated in October, was to originally not seek nomination for 2022 – as a result of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and my desire, not to both burnout and be strained; under one of the most unique years of my life and also enable a smooth transition into new employment post the Games in late 2022/early 2023.

However: with all 60 seats are up for grabs thanks to the long awaited Boundary Changes and this election’s gut wrenching results both nationally and at a City Level – with the loss of 5 Council seats and some incredible servants in Deputy Leader Louise Miles in Oxley and Labour Group Secretary Alan Bolshaw in Merry Hill, I intend to consult with party colleagues; across the city in the coming weeks on reversing my original thinking.

Simply put – I wish not to see the party I love, put on the rack in such a manner and ever again see visibly upset colleagues, realising that opportunities to serve has been denied. The full scale of Labour’s losses in May 2021, put the West Midlands party into unchartered territory and If I seeked to remain on the Local Campaign Forum Panel of Candidates for Wolverhampton and possibly be selected again, I would look to be as truthful as possible, to help enable better days being ahead.

Despite the negatives, I am utterly delighted to see Christopher Burden claim victory in Fallings Park and become our city’s youngest Councillor! Chris is a man with a big heart and whose experiences, will give my neighbouring ward the best possible representation.

Alongside work and Labour and Co-operative Party activism, it’s my intention to also consider what my next role in the West Midlands Young Combined Authority should be and I fully endeavour, to play as active as part in the YCA – knowing of the opportunity the YCA Board has in getting our Vision document into action.

Regardless of what the next 12 months politically holds, I am massive grateful for such an opportunity – in both seeking to serve The Labour and Co-operative Party’s and a beautiful part of Wolverhampton but learn much more – about such special communities like Wightwick and its people; one of which, will contribute to our City of Opportunity’s successes: forever and always.

ENDS

Election 2021 - Personal Vision for Wightwick!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:12:26 GMT

Proud to reveal My 12 Point Vision - for a Ward that can achieve SO MUCH MORE!

WOLVERHAMPTON - 18:15PM BST: WEDNESDAY APRIL 7TH, 2021

It is a terrific feeling, that I do formally announce my Vision for the people of Tettenhall Wightwick for May 6th's Local Elections!

The 12 key areas of focus, came from hearing resident's issue over the phone, via a good campaign consultation with Party Members and the matters that across the city and the region - strike at the heart of our people.

My case is simple and is strong: that post COVID-19 there can be no return to the past; that our record as a proud and progressive Labour Council - can be strengthened through representation in Wightwick and that ultimately: such a ward which has a tremendous history, can have a glorious future, by sharing a sense of compassion, of care and of decency.

This is what will be my driving force, what will enable progression in quality of life to be made and together - help build A New Future, with A NEW WIGHTWICK right at it's very heart!

Do see Kash4Wightwick for the details as mentioned on the poster and a personal statement, with hopefully campaign events (more than likely not virtually) to be added very shortly!

MY VISION FOR WIGHTWICK

Fighting to protect Health Services across Wightwick - particuarly at the Surgeries in Castlecroft and Rock House , which provide crucial community health services

Helping to restore Community Policing numbers in all areas - which have been savagely hit by Conservative Austerity

Work in partnership with the ward's incredible Cultural and Heritage locations - including Wightwick Manor, Smestow Valley and Transport Heritage Centre ; in helping to promote such places, ensuring that funding is strengthened and places become as accessible as possible

Fighting to improve Housing in all corners of the ward; particuarly for those who are affected by High Rent Rates, who tenent with unsupportive Landlords and live in Sub-Standard Properties ; some of which are not fit for human habitation

Giving my fullest support, with all those seeking to tackle crime - particuarly Car Theft which has become a significant problem in recent months and working alongside Tettenhall, Compton & Wightwick Neighbourhood Watch ; who are a brilliant example of seeking to reduce such problems

Making every part of Wightwick as Clean and as Green as possible - with more Eco-Friendly Buses , the expansion of the WM Cycle Hire scheme and installation of more Electric Charging Points - as part of the City Council's mission of a Carbon Neutral City by 2028

Supporting every School across Wightwick, in seeking greater investment (whether buildings, new technology and more) and being strong in dialogue with teachers, students and parents - to hear what they want

Backing the plan of keeping and investing in places of local importance - including the Library and Tettenhall Pool and ensuring the ward's Foodbanks, Charities (including Compton Care) and Religious Organisations are backed every step of the way ; in the outstanding work they do

Fighting for Greener Transport - particularly on the buses where standards are poor and ensuring there is choice for passengers; through lobbying for a Franchised System

Improved Accessibility in Wightwick ; particuarly for the Residents of Grove Lane , across the beautiful Smestow Valley and in every single business, with a focus of ensuring People with Hidden Disabilities can be feel as comfortable as possible, whilst going about there daily lives

Support everyone - whether individuals and organisations, for Job Creation and getting folk back into secure work ; particuarly focusing on Y oung People, Small Businesses, Manufactoring and Green Industries

Form a Wightwick Futures Forum - that works with and engages the Ward's Young People between 11-25 years, so MY Generation are able to express what changes they wish and thus opening opportunities for stronger youth representation, with City of Wolverhampton Youth Council

STATEMENT - Department for Transport West Midlands Headquarters

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 07:52:09 GMT

Delighted with some more exciting news for the region, with hundreds of DfT jobs on the horizon!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS - UK: 07:45AM, MONDAY MARCH 15TH 2021

Kashmire Hawker – Wolverhampton based member of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (WMYCA) and the board’s Co-Portfolio Lead for Transport, releases the following statement, as a result of the announcement of the Department for Transport creating a Duel Headquarters in Birmingham:

"As the Young Combined Authority’s Co-Portfolio Lead for Transport, I express my real delight and massively welcome this morning’s announcement by the Department for Transport; that will see a Duel Headquarters set up in Birmingham!

The Transport related powers in the hands of the Combined Authority (via Transport for West Midlands - TfWM), makes our bit of the world very ideal - to host such a critical Government department. And with High Speed 2 on the horizon, more cleaner and greener buses, trains and other modes in development - alongside the rollout of the WM Cycle Hire scheme and the multi-million plans for infrastructre improvements, also gives this very good timing.

This alongside the MHCLG Duel Headquarters here in Wolverhampton, will give many hundreds of residents fantastic opportunities in serving the nation, enable our region's youth to have new doors opened and ultimately give the West Midlands Combined Authority and it's Mayor (whomever that is after May 6th) an enhanced scope, in seeking further powers going forward.

I very much look forward to seeing DfT make there move here and in stating I would be more than happy to meet representatives of the Department, I can't wait to see them make a good impact on the West Midlands!"

The Campaign Diary - Hello Wightwick!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 23:14:17 GMT

With 66 Days To Go, I launch a Campaign Diary and this first post is simple:
Hello Tettenhall Wightwick!

To be writing this blog post - 66 days from a most wonderful moment in my life; that being in seeking to serve some awesome people, is something I would never dared to dream of, when moving to Wolverhampton (specifically Heath Town); on Saturday August 15th, 2009. It makes it even more remarkable; that as a 23 Year Old British Asian, Autistic and Bisexual man - I am even on a ballot; knowing how unequal society STILL is towards people like myself, within the year of 2021!

I feel immense pride in seeking such a humbling opportunity, knowing that at such an age, I am asking Tettenhall Wightwick for vote for something different, of which the difference is both in party and personality.

In party terms, Wolverhampton has been under Labour leadership since late 2010, of which the Council has been forced to cut to the bone; thanks to the loss of over half of Government funding. I have no doubt - that if such harsh and inexcusable cuts were never imposed, such key local services including Libaries, Youth Centres and Police stations would still be in present in a much bigger form. Knowing the height of austerity meant my family - particuarly my disabled and partially sighted Mother had to many times scrap together pennies to keep us ticking by, is an experience that scares me and should scare the consience of our nation.

At least however, I can say within the pandemic - our leadership has looked after our own, with over £25 Million spent on responding to the Coronavirus; which Whitehall hasn't yet refunded as promised. Those who seeked support with food, medication, practical support and more, have seen that from moment one of the viruses emergance, of such help being in place and even if Wightwick is the city's wealthiest area, I feel confident that all supported will forever feel grateful.

In terms of being grateful, my story is one that surely no one could have forseen; when making the move to Wolves, from the Area of Outstanding Beauty of the Malvern Hills. Upon finishing my time, at Fort Royal Community Primary School in Worcester in 2009 (a Special Educational Needs school for 4-11 year olds), I geniunely didn't know what life laid before me until October 30th of that year; 3 days before commencing Secondary education at Heath Park when seeing that the UK Youth Parliament held it's first Commons sitting on ITV News.

My words of "I would love to be like them one day!" struck a bulb, that as a 12 year old disabled boy made me knew that political activity, would be the place where differences in not just mine, but people's lives can be made.

Knowing that since March 1st 2012, I have served as a Youth MP, Youth Councillor, were on the Development Group for The Way Youth Zone, twice spoken in the House of Lords' annual Chamber Event, as well as making contributions on BBC Question Time, the NAtional Union of Students' Conference and prior to University studies (and since post Uni too), been part of Hagley based disability rights based charity Changing Our Lives - all of which enabled to join Birmingham 2022's Organising Commitee in August 2020 and be part of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (meaning engagement regionally), makes me smile as a result of my breadth of experience already gained and being part of such a large span of things; which has been done, with hardly a penny until recently!

That humbleness is what spurs me forward the most and knowing of the richness of Wightwick as a ward; which through the gloriousness of Smestow Valley, Wightwick Manor, the bustling nature of Upper Street, the recent but outstanding edition of the Heritage Transport Centre (which has spectacular replicas of Brum's famous car) and all coupled with the forever incredible work of Compton Hospice, the rightful and needed planned redevlopment of the Wolverhampton Environment Centre, the soon to be reborn Compton Youth Centre through Windmall Community Chruch and the outstnading educational insituations that have Wightwick at it's heart; all fils me with with impressiveness and illustrates any representative, needs to feel great pride in a communities offering.

Knowing however, that from my first Phone Canvassing sessions; through Labour's excellent Dialogue system, that people many feel unconnected with those with responsability (one lady said I was her first political contact since 1986!), that roads need urgent attention (a good example of that is Grove Lane via it's narrowness and inaccessability), the need for a green and clean space; not helped at present, through Travel Express's horribly edmitting bus fleet, the need for cheaper and more affordable housing (which the WEC redevelopment will play a big part towards) and more to boot, makes the task of enhancing resident's livilhoods ever a tricky task.

For all who read this (via my campaign page on Facebook), please do send your ideas and feelings, about the things that matter most and a People Powered plan, will be created for the campaign.

Even if The Labour Party has always struggled to gain traction across Wightwick, I think the Pandemic has proved that the nation CANNOT stay the same, that a new and different type of representative fighting for ordinary people is needed. Seeing too that I in 2015, was awarded Joint Runner-Up for Wolverhampton's Young Citizen (which is back for 2021!) - in playing such a big part in getting young people's voices made loud and clear; proves that something new - via my youthful self and in a fashion that has co-operation, honesty and compassion at it's heart, can make a real difference.

May 6th delivers a chance, for A New Future to be forged - both within this ever evoving city and this most spectacular part of the United Kingdom: in the West Midlands; after the most scary 11 years which has seen everyone other than the top 5% suffer.

Knowing I have broken ground in my near 23 1/2 years alive, makes me think that through showcasing the honestly, humidity and decency needed for a Councillor - ANYTHING is certainly possible, when minds, ideas and co-operation come together and with it being my first election as a party candidate, I will embrace the next 9 weeks massively; knowing the chance to serve is the prize being seeked.

And in looking forward to clocking up the campaign miles (if I and others deem it safe enough), the expense on social media and the hours speaking on phones - of which one's experiences will be stated here; I hope that in running for such service and in knowing of the opportunity, which serving can achieve: that in seeking my greatest achievement of my life to date - I make the fine people of Tettenhall Wightwick have pride, in who is on a ballot paper; knowing YOU are the boss!

Hallam Union Elections - It's Not All Good!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 16:09:36 GMT

With SHSU in dire straits pre Elections 2021, I express my feelings and some displeasing campaign moments!

IMAGE - The Hawk in Motion: myself donning a strange campaign outfit of a Parrot Onesie (coloured in Red, Yellow, Green, Dark Blue and Black) - within the Activities Pod at Sheffield Hallam Students' Union; on the afternoon of Thursday March 14th 2019

As can be seen above, the wonder and spectacle of Student Union Elections

STATEMENT - MHCLG's Wolverhampton Headquarters

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 08:00:08 GMT

Utterly delighted, at the news of a Government HQ heading Wolverhampton's way!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS - 08:00AM GMT: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20TH 2021

Kashmire Hawker – Wolverhampton based member of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (WMYCA) and the board’s Co-Portfolio Lead for Transport, releases the following statement, as a result of the announcement of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirming plans to open a Wolverhampton office and creating hundreds of jobs:

“I very warmly welcome the announcement made by Robert Jenrick this morning; (Saturday February 20th, 2021), that will see our ever growing City of Wolverhampton, will house THE FIRST Government Headquarters outside of London - for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)!

The very idea of devolution, is to see organisations – particularly including departments of Her Majesty’s Governments reach out, to areas like mine; which has an ever important mission, to transform itself for this generation.

Supporting up to 500 new jobs and a world class base for our population, will prove exactly that, show that collectively the meaning of Levelling Up is meant by Ministers and crucially give Wulfrunians a taste of the awesome responsibilities, that our hard working Civil Servants have on their shoulders.

I give massive congratulations to City of Wolverhampton Council Leader Ian Brookfield, Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and Wolverhampton South West MP Stuart Anderson; for their successful and intense and collective cross-party lobbying and I very much look forward to seeing MHCLG’s arrival; which again underlines, what £4.4 Billion of investment currently online and in the planning, can further strengthen the rapid development; of one of Europe’s fastest growing city’s!”

ENDS

OUR WEST MIDLANDS: WM Young Combined Authority's Vision and Priorities for the Future

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:02:53 GMT

EXTREMELY Excited and Proud, to help launch a radical and Game Changing Vision - BY YOUNG PEOPLE AND FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: for THE GREATEST patch on Earth!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WEST MIDLANDS - 12:00pm, Monday February 15th, 2021

It is with the greatest possible delight, that the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (The WMYCA), today formally launches Our West Midlands: Young Combined Authority Vision and Priorities for the Future - a document that signifies a real intent by the region's Young People, in wanting to not just co-produce the change much needed but create a society and region that really hears OUR voices!

Our West Midlands, has been in development - pretty much since the then 33 strong YCA formed in September 2019; with the mission being clear - in creating a document, that really reflects the considerations of 16-25 Year Olds, that can be both achieved through the Combined Authority's powers and supporting every effort, in fighting for stronger Devolution deals and unsurprisingly: strengthening our voice.

The YCA's first orientation, done in collaboration with Aston University's Strategic Priorities Fund, which was all set and raring to go come March 11th, 2020, had to be totally overhauled once the Pandemic truly struck home. However, and in sharing the original tagline of Diversity, Integration, Accessibility ; such ambitions are very much at this vision's heart covering the WMCA's portfolio areas of Culture, Digital, Skills, Environment, Transport, Housing & Regeneration and Inclusive Communities & Wellbeing.

Each of the areas has 5 asks of the CA, meaning a bumper 35 ambitions are formally laid before the region's leaders. Some will no doubt say that it's too big, but at least 10 of them can be implemented - through the authority Mayor Andy Street and his team legally has.

And as Co-Portfolio Lead for Transport, that shaped a lot of my and colleague Asad Kalang's considerations, in being both realistic and ambitious at our calls. Seeing that 3 of the 5 are within the remit of Combined Authority's to deliver, I feel thrilled and confident that such aims can become reality and I formally offer via this blog, to work in a spirit of unity and co-production, to help bring these changes into place with Transport for West Midlands, the CA and all other stakeholders.

I feel hugely proud, of what the 33 strong cohort for 2019/2020 and the 16 strong structured group of 2020/2021 has been able to produce collectively and being a member of both, I share a unbridled sense of optimism that this is the beginning of a culture shift in Youth Engagement across this spectacular patch of land. Massive kudos must also go to Dr Daniel Fitzpatrick at Aston for the University's support in getting things off the ground and to the entire team at Beatfreeks, for the continuous and incredible belief displayed; particularly within these 12 earth changing months.

I end with the words - of which I hope Mr Mayor and WMCA CEO Deborah Cadman don't mind me sharing; the final bit of a letter received by all YCA members, after myself and YCA colleague from Birmingham Ayan Aden presented the draft at WMCA Board on Januar y 15th :

"While it is absolutely right to focus on next steps, we also hope that you take a moment to reflect and congratulate yourselves on the development of your vision document. This has been a significant project and throughout it the YCA has demonstrated strength in how you:

Persevered with the project, which began more than a year ago
Adapted the project in response to the coronavirus pandemic
Developed thoughtful asks through deliberation and engagement
Positioned this as a vision for leaders to share rather than feel criticised by
Demonstrated leadership and ambition for realising a brighter future

We are certainly proud of how the West Midlands Young Combined Authority has developed, and we look forward to seeing where your leadership will take our region."

We are all grateful of such support as expressed; hope that such beliefs hold up (regardless of possible future political leadership) and if they do, the future for people like us; will be a better one indeed!

Berlin - A City That Symbolises Hope

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 21:42:41 GMT

2 years on, I review a most humbling visit to the German Capital!

IMAGE - A Goat with THE GOAT?! A snap with a well posed friend, at Berlin Zoo, as part of my visit to the city with Sheffield Hallam Students' Union's Geography Society - Saturday February 9th 2019

Thursday February 7th to Sunday February 10th 2019, will always live in my memory - not just as my 2nd foreign visit during my studies at Sheffield Hallam University, but that it was a visit to a city that since the bringing down of The Wall, has become a place which symbolises the hope that much of the UK is dying out for.

Only having about 2 1/2 hours of sleep, before slipping out of my Broomhill student flat in the small hours of a rainy Thursday in February, to gather outside The Hubs (one of The Steel City's most famous buildings) for the journey to Manchester Airport, signifed the anticipation in my mind of a visit that would open the mind.

Just from making the trip from the cosy Schonefield Airport to a&o Hostel Berlin Mitte after a smooth easyJet flight from Manchester, the mixture of the old and new was a striking element of what can be seen across the whole city.

Whether the Capital's U-Bahn Metro system which still has decades old rolling stock running to this day to the stunning roof of the Mall of Berlin; reminiscent of London St Pancras International or whether the modernness of Potsdamer Platz (once the home of a major dividing line to East and West) to the buildings that formulated Germany's fate under The Nazi Party which surround the Topography of Terro r: the story of the city and the walls that once seperated it's people, can almost be told through such a different kind of environment.

The 4 most surreal sites that we visited, had to be those of the Bradenberg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, The East Side Wall and The Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe - all of which through there past purposes, movingly reflect the horrors of the past. In particuar, the Holocaust Memorial stands a permanent reminder that through such ideologies, 6 Million innocent lives were lost solely on the basis of who folks are and the way the site stands, feels more than appropriate as a result of all which occurred.

Such things, that have helped Germany move forward in massive strides, are also evident at the Jewish Museum and the Germany Spy Museum, which beautifully blends those stories of the past, along with the fine use of modern day technology. The importance that is attached, in reflecting the error is not lost in any area within such places.

Add on top the massive choice of culture that springs around - whether an organised Bar Crawl (which for us ended with a firecracker outside the terrific Matrix Club!) or the sights and sounds at Zoo Berlin which is very good value for a visit and whether a stunning Hot Chocolate at the wonderous Steel Vintage Bikes Cafe or sampling multiple Wursts in Lindenbrau at the Sony Center; you have a city that since the end of division has truly thrived.

Alongside the scenery and it's storys, the friendliness of it's people also made the visit worth while. Wherever we visited (even on the fantastic night out on the 8th), the easy nature of folk shows Berlin at it's very best and even if Students' can be wild some times (particularly when at the Zoo following the long evening clubbing!), the understanding of Berlin's population wasn't lost on anyone.

It personally felt a bit upsetting that we were only there between a Thursday-Sunday, knowing of the sights we saw and the memories which were made, alongside 38 other wonderful folk, who all shared the bond of loving Geography. But ultimately, I felt through every second of the hope that a nation can over time develop, as a result of the beautifulness of the German capital - which is pressing ahead through such creativity, history and the welcoming nature tourists (like my then 21 year old) recieve.

If Berlin can find it's feet, after an era that had to see the human be brought back from the very brink - then what's not to say that London, Birmingham and even my Student home of Sheffield can itself bounce back as time progresses. Berlin shines out as Europe's beacon of opportunity and once I find someone know to call a soulmate (whenever that will be!), I will most certainly and even despite the now longer times at the airport post Brexit; will definitely return for a longer City Visit - knowing there is much more to be explored and that ultimately: the United Kingdom can and should be such a place!

STATEMENT: Birmingham 2022 Cultural Funding

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 10:26:39 GMT

My personal reaction, to some EXTREMELY EXCITING news from my team today!

WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands, United Kingdom - 10:25am, Thursday January 28th, 2021

Kashmire Hawker – Member of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (WMYCA) for the City of Wolverhampton, the YCA’s Co-Portfolio Lead for Transport and Administrator for Ceremonies, Culture and Queens Baton Relay (CCQ), at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, formally responds to the announcement of £6 Million in funding, being secured for Birmingham 2022’s Cultural Programme:

“With today (Thursday January 28th, 2021) marking 18 months until the beginning of Birmingham 2022, it genuinely feels amazing; to have seen my outstanding colleagues round the clock efforts, over the course of 2020 and the start of 2021 spectacularly pay off - with the announcement from the Games Organising Committee (BOCCG) , that we have secured £6 MILLION in funding : specifically £3 Million each from Arts Council England (ACE) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF), for what is going to be the biggest and diverse Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme EVER!

December 21st, 2017’s announcement, of Brum being confirmed as Hosts of the Games was described by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, as “our opportunity, to showcase a resurgent, diverse and confident West Midlands to the world”.

And over three years down the line, such a large and extraordinary amount of cash – for a programme, that The Games intend to break the mould with and make the most accessible yet; along it with being a golden opportunity, to help aid the region’s Culture Sector – with what will be a vital recovery post the pandemic, most certainly warrants the use of those words.

Full credit goes to those who I get to call fellow Culture Team members led by the creative genius that is Martin Green CBE – all of whom each day; demonstrate why the offering we are collectively pulling together, will make 2022 one of the most culturally celebrated in our region’s history and leave a legacy, that helps shapes the West Midlands for generations!”

ENDS

A Mayoral Wishlist - 2021 West Midlands Mayoral Election

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 19:40:53 GMT

Whomever is Mayor, needs to be Radical and Positive towards MY Generation!

IMAGE: A City in Development - a Sunrise snap of Wolverhampton's i9; continuing to come together, on November 26th 2020

The wonder and current shape of politics across our region, makes May 6th 2021's contest for Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority a rather interesting affair.

The fight between incumbant Andy Street - the man who led John Lewis and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership pre-political life, before causing a political earthquake with a 0.8% and 3,776 2nd Preference Vote Majority in 2017 for the Conservatives and Labour's Liam Bryne; the one time Chief Secretary to the Treasury, MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and avid Devoulation campaigner; along with 4 other candidates thus far confirmed from the Green's, Liberal Democrats, Our West Midlands and an Independent (full list at the bottom), surely makes it the 2nd most important Mayoral fight of the year after London.

I don't have any doubt, that with the way that Mayor's have come to the centre of attention, for being extremely regular headliners on the news, a lot of time disagreeing with the Tiering decisions and fighting for further financial support across the whole 10 months since Lockdown 1 hit, interest in the £79,000 post will hopefully see a big boost on the 26% turnout from May 4th 2017.

For me however, what I very much want is the greatest possible interest in the way's that lives CAN be improved via the figurehead of a Combined Authority - a body which still has many a critic in the electorate at large. And that is where listening to my generation; particuarly the Under 25's and People with Disabilities couldn't be more vital, if real opportunity can be offered, change can be radical and ultimately helps build the region we all desire.

This is why I give - what most will see as a radical wishlist, of what I would love to see the WMCA help do; in really showing the true meaning of phrases including "Build Back Better", "Levelling Up" and "Opportunity for All". Being in the positions I am and having expanded my knowledge of what exists across WM massively in the last 18 months, I feel may strike a cord as a result of the need of being bold post COVID-19.

What do I formally seek, from a candidate in there Manfiesto's and ultimately in office?

Appoint Deputy Mayors , alongside the Statutory Deputy Mayor covering:

Environment, Energy and Transport (Including High Speed 2)
Commonwealth Games, Culture and Digital
Housing and Land
Inclusive Communities and Wellbeing

Create the positions of Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor (Aged Under 25) ; either directly elected or appointed from the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, who will jointly lead the YCA Board
Establish a WMCA Youth Scrutiny Board , led by the Young Mayor, the Young Combined Authority and other Young People across the region
Enhance YCA representatives’ rights on the CA Board , as much as practically possible under the rules of the CA Constitution
Strengthening the Transport for West Midlands Youth Forum and making it a formally structured body
Ensuring ALL WMCA Events are fully accessible for People with Disabilities and requiring ALL polices and actions to work for them, through the creation of a Mayor’s People With Disabilities Advisory Forum and WM Quality of Life Transform Board , lead by experts in change making fields
Work directly with the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee, to develop a Games Legacy Plan, for Sport, Culture, Investment and Opportunities
Follow up on the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, by undertaking Feasibility Studies for bidding for events such as the 9th Commonwealth Youth Games in 2029 – most previously hosted in the UK in Edinburgh in 2000, the 5th Youth Summer Olympic Games in 2030 , which has not yet been held in Europe and the 13th World Games (the games for non-Olympic Sports) in 2033 – last held in the UK in London in 1985
Consider the use of the Mayoral Rebate and part of Government Held Reserves for the CA, to fund Free Travel for Under 25’s across the region
Following Manchester City Region’s lead and develop a WM Opportunity Pass

In explaining my thinking, first of all - I rightfully look at Young People. In the words of 2019/2020 National Union of Students' President Zamzam Ibrahim, “We’ve spent the last decade fighting against things. It’s time to fight for something.” Such words couldn't ring more true, with services for my folk having been cut to the bone and shockingly, much of that having hit funding for representation - the very thing Young People need to value and take opportunity within.

The Young Combined Authority has been a massive step forward in terms of that direction and to enhance it, an appointed/elected Young Mayor and Deputy, formation of a CA Youth Scrutiny Board, strengthening the YCA's role as much as possible and making the TfWM Youth Forum a formal body, would in my mind give WM one of the strongest set of opportunities, to getting youth voices made as loud as they should be. Knowing too that the YCA have developed, a very well recieved Our West Midlands: Young Combined Authority Vision and Priorities document; all efforts in bringing it's plans to life, would demonstrate that our regional leaders; regardless of political colour mean business.

Supplimenting that, the formation of 4 Deputy Mayor's - whose roles would be wide varying, would follow London's Lead where they have 10 (!) and a Deputy's remit can achieve some spectacular results - providing the power is there. And the areas as mentioned, all have powers which the CA have and can continue to lobby further for, giving such a post holder great opportunity: IF a mandate is given by the voters and the Government is not stubborn power wise.

Being a person with a Disability, our representation also couldn't matter more, within a period where a virus is causing such heartbreak. Co-Production and getting more folks around the table; to hear there thinking and rightful radicalism, through such high level boards suggested would be a terrific way of helping to strengthen our rights and give a platform - for experts and those with real life experiences of inequality to shape the more compassionate region we need to be.

Of course - as a Birmingham 2022 employee, the chances before us post the games are one of a most unique measure and gives me permanent delight; in having the Organising Committee as my employer. The Games Legacy Plan, needs to cover more than just what sport can look like in the coming decade, but such a platform provides further chances to use such infrastructure for the events as mentioned - which brings in tourism, economic enhancement and develop the region's Cultural offering.

And finally, on the wonder of Travel - of course, the financial gaps across Transport for West Midlands are indeed a great worry and I very much commend the WMCA for helping to cover a fair bit of it.

However - seeing that other financial opportunities lie in the grass and the enourmous need for one of the youngest region's in Europe; to both feel valued and have such a real sense of opportunity, it would feel foolish not see if funding can be used, to develop a Freedom Pass as seen in Greater Manchester and ask folks to pay a little more, in funding Free Travel for Under 25's - who have been affected the most by COVID-19!

I'm sure the quiet majority, wouldn't mind wanting to give support to my generation, seeing how such a dreadful situation has torn apart many dreams.

This may all seem wishful thinking and many think Devolution is a waste of time, knowing of the costs and red tape involved. Having such influence however; makes one believe that better days are ahead, progressive politics can help redefine the West Midlands and ultimately CHANGE LIVES.

That is what the WMCA is there do; that is what regional leaders should desire to see and knowing opportunities exist, it's time they were ultilised and helped many hundreds of thousands; who call our Three City's and Four Towns home!

P.S - And as promised - particuarly for folk outside the region reading this, the so far confirmed candidates for Thursday May 6th 2021's Election, for the postion of Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, are as follows:

The Right Honourable Liam Dominic Bryne MP - Labour and Co-operative Party
Councillor Steve Caudwell - Green Party of England and Wales
Ashvir Sangha - Our West Midlands
Andy John Street CBE - The Conservative and Unionist Party
Tim Weller - Independent (Transport focused Candidate)
Jenny Wilkinson - The Liberal Democrats

STATEMENT - Wolverhampton's Award of Future High Street Funding

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 11:48:46 GMT

Excellent news of Government Funding heading our way!

Who'd thought, that Boxing Day of all day's (Saturday December 26th, 2020) would be used for what could be seen as some knockout news! (excuse the dreadful pun...)

I'm sure folks across the City of Wolverhampton won't mind, with the excellent announcement of City of Wolverhampton Council's provisional award of £15,760,196 - by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of the Government's Future High Street Fund! I congratulate all who contributed to another important step, towards the continued transformation of this City of Opportunity.

The funding isn't what Wolverhampton fully asked for (of around £20 Million), however I am very pleased that much of the request, which will form a key part of making our ever expanding and changing City Centre a much friendlier place to shop and socialise - has today been officially granted. It very much adds to the extraordinary £4.4 BILLION currently live or in the pipeline, worth of developments which the city is seeing and will soon add to.

I would Minister's hope commitments don't suddenly end here however, knowing of the good soundings which we have had in regards to the £50 Million Towns Deal Funding bid and the great number of rumours; suggesting that the in development i9, is set to become a new major hub for MHCLG itself. Therefore if those plans are still very much in the Government's minds, they must announce both that funding and the Ministry's office as soon as possible, so those commitments can be fulfilled and tangible change can happen as the pace required.

Finally, seeing that the West Midlands Combined Authority area as a whole (specifically through 3 Full Members and 3 Non-Constituent Members) collectively secured £82,216,264 and the entire region through 10 areas, have been awarded a very impressive £146,091,845 - of the £831 Million pot, is a real sign of what collective, political leadership can achieve.

That is regardless of party colours and I hope that continues, at a time of such international importance - along with the need for ALL areas being entitled to apply for and win such money in future. Only then the mantra of Levelling Up, will be seen as working as it should!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Selection as Labour Candidate for Tettenall Wightwick!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 21:32:54 GMT

I am TRULY Honoured, to be running for City of Wolverhampton Council aged just 23!

Following a meeting on Tuesday November 10th, 2020, I am utterly thrilled, to announce that I will be standing as one of two Labour Party candidate's and hopefully too for The Co-Operative Party: for The City of Wolverhampton Council Ward of Tettenhall Wightwick, on Thursday May 6th 2021 Election!

In July 2019 - at just 21 years old, I formally began the process to seek to be a candidate, of The Labour Party and hopefully Co-Operative Party for the next set of Local Authority Elections - originally on May 7th 2020 but now delayed until the date; due to the Coronavirus pandemic within my city of residence: the City of Wolverhampton. Knowing the process finished a year and a quarter later and now aged 23, shows the reality when a global pandemic strikes.

I am standing alongside excellent local member and activist Don Gwinnett - whose experience will enable me to develop greatly.

The beauty of Wightwick - whether through the splendre of Smestow Valley, the Transport Heritage Centre and through it's incredible charity's including Compton Hospice, the ward's three schools and huge number of incredible businesses; particularly it's Independent Cafe's and Pub's, whether in Compton, Finchfield and its heart of Upper Green: gives the area much possibility.

The Conservatives however, have failed Wolverhampton's most well off area for too long - knowing many folk still struggle to get by day by day and the economic impact of Coronavirus, is costing money and jobs. And knowing of that failure, along with Tory cuts which have ripped the city apart, that I feel Labour, has the chance make some serious inroads.

2021 gives us a free hit – to increase our vote and run a campaign that considers what a decent, compassionate alternative for Wightwick can look like. Of course, such a campaign may have to take a different form, so reaching out through Social Media particularly as well as the wonder of Zoom Calls to engage are two important options. And knowing of many students, I’m sure they’d be happy to come for a session or two, seeing damage to The Tories, can certainly be achieved.

Being in Labour since 2015, has given me energy to not just to campaign on the kind of future this city deserves and help win elections, but ensures a different future is possible; that enables ambitions to be fulfilled and that more tolerant, compassionate and progressive politics, can become the norm.

Knowing that Wolverhampton has £4 Billion+ investment across this city, demonstrates we have a positive story; one of which I will defend from head to toe. Stating I was 1 vote off selection in the original February meeting, as well as being part of “the strongest panel that Bushbury South and Low Hill have ever had” gives me great encouragement – for people like me, wanting to represent.

I shall keep you all fully posted , within the coming weeks, knowing of the awesome opportunity and responsibility, of attempting to serve my city come May 2021, in a ward that has the chance to be more Co-Operative, Honest, Progressive and Proud!

Congratulations Joe and Kamala!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 19:15:56 GMT

Glass Ceilings SMASHED and an Incumbant GONE! A few thoughts!

There are moments in history, where writing something to express one's joy and utter delight feels needed. And with the formal declaration at 16:24pm this afternoon (Saturday November 7th, 2020), this is most definately one of them!

Joe Robinette Biden Junior - the boy from Scranton and Kamala Devi Harris ; now one of the most historic females in global political history , have just made Donald John Trump and Michael Richard Pence, only THE 4TH Incumbents EVER: TO LOSE A RE-ELECTION BID in the history of the United States!

The map that has developed, since 11pm on Tuesday night; of what has felt a NEVER ENDING WEEK (!), is one full of history. Not since 1960 has the winner lost BOTH Florida and Ohio; not since 1992 has Georgia gone Democrat (more than likely); not since 1996 that Arizona was last a Blue State and surely for the first time for a great while, that the Rustbelt of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - have all flipped in two consecutive Elections.

It feels very poetic too, that the final numbers are expected to be 306-232: the exact figure in which Trump-Pence deined Clinton-Kaine 4 years ago and with it, has the highest ever votes recieved by any Election ticket. Such a turnout increase, is a super encouraging sign too, and shows that people inspired, by what politics COULD achieve.

Joe's steadfast service - both as a sentor for 37 years prior to becoming Barack Obama's VP and as Number 44's righthand man, rightfully gives him the golden opportunity to serve his nation; one that he has given an unbelievable amount to since his Senate Election on this day in 1972; aged just 29. He is surely one of the globe's most resiliant and brave leaders, knowing of the many tragedies that has hit him. Neila Hunter, Naomi Biden and Beau Biden, can forever know tonight, there Husband and Father will use there incredible memories, as a lasting spirit wthin his time in The White House.

Knowing too that Kamala, will be THE FIRST EVER Female Vice-President, who is an African-American and Asian-American, is a world defining moment - for both Women and all those who self-define as BAME. Harris's rise through the political ranks, is nothing short of inspiring with her being a daughter of Immigrants from India and Jamaica - two nation's whose impacts on the States has helped shaped such a powerful nation massively. Her experience in justice and a simple desire, to stamp out the hate that has infected America during the Trump Administration, makes her perfect to leave the most historic and positive mark possible.

Being myself a BAME 23 year old, this gives me unreal optimism for the future and illistrates what opportunity getting involved and active in Politics can give - by never giving in, always shouting about the stories of those who need a hand and staying humble in that process.

And having been reminded today, that "Speeches at selections maybe good, but it's the stuff behind the scenes that count" - referencing to the loss I had within the Fallings Park Labour Party selection last month, gives me that extra imputus to do THAT BIT MORE and hopeully enables more positive and moving political moments, for myself in the near future.

Congratulations to all Social Democrats and all in The Democratic Party: on an epic campaign and on scooping an historical win which will give HOPE to much of the world and help put an end, to the sheer HATRED that has been installed at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue since January 20th 2017!

A Change of Approach

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 20:01:50 GMT

Participation is a wonderous thing and I want to again prove that!

Within this barmy year of 2020, I have had plenty of time to delve deep into thoughts and consider, what are the realistic next steps I can take – not just to up my activism, but to enable a greater sense of opportunity comes from it.

Knowing I have applied for 6 2021 Local Election selections for The Labour Party and within all 4 meetings I’ve been invited to; that one has been defeated, means taking stock has felt more needed.

Seeing one’s dream of being in the City of Wolverhampton Council Chamber come 2021 – has 99.9% died and that in two of the selections, I was beaten by candidates who through circumstances swapped seats previously chosen for, the motivation and hope has been pummelled considerably. The opportunity to serve the city, is all that I ask and the crushing blow on my morale, of failing to achieve that in 7 months time: really demonstrates the brutality and annoyance of Labour politics.

In therefore cutting to the chase, my plan representational wise for the coming few years, will hopefully look like this:

Seek selection, for the final ward of Tettenhall Wightwick, for the 2021 Local Elections and if selected, to run as effective and enjoyable campaign as possible – knowing Labour would need the tectonic plates and then some to shift; for us to win the ward!
Due to the Commonwealth Games and my role on the Organising Committee, being time limited – I RULE OUT seeking nomination for the May 2022 and 2023 elections - as a result of Birmingham 2022 and the inevitable transition to new employment / postgraduate study, post the conclusion of the games
For 2020/21, successfully serve on the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (WMYCA) – as its new Co-Portfolio Lead for Transport and if possible, for 2021/22; seek to remain on the YCA Board and enhance my position
Continue my roles on Wolverhampton Wanderers Fans Parliament, West Midlands Trains Stakeholder Equality Group and Changing Our Lives Associate amongst many things, with a greater emphasis on personal engagement in each organisation’s projects
Seek out other voluntary and paid opportunities, that have participation at its heart – I.E through undertaking a master’s degree at the University of Wolverhampton and naturally getting involved, with UoW Students’ Union
And through all that, as well as seeking greater involvement within UK Young Labour, campaigning at all intervening elections across the city and beyond and the greater experience within The Labour Party and hopefully The Co-operative Party and Community Union which I have officially joined, I will then give Local Elections selections, a 2nd full tilt for either 2024 or 2026 (2025 is currently expected to a fallow year in Wolverhampton)

Of course, all of this will depend on personal circumstances, employment at the time and most of all: one’s health status.

Knowing as I type this, that I will very soon will contact my surgery seeking advice, relating to discomfort on the right side of my head, shoulder, neck and cheek, all of the above can easily become in-significant.

Seeing that my ambitions always take time to achieve, that my speeches in selections haven’t been as focussed as they should have and that I am still only 23, wants to make me a much stronger advocate, campaigner, focussed and crucially experienced individual.

In expressing much appreaciation, for all who have given support - whether it has been in person, via the web or through constructive comments, the above is my hope and as the chance to do that I feel is here, I will very much look to seize it.

And come 3 years’ time perhaps, I will have a rather positive story to tell from a selection meeting – rather than not an ounce of formal feedback after a process and the standard comment of commiseration: usually something on the lines of “you’re a good candidate and you’ll win one day!”

ANNOUNCEMENT: West Midlands Young Combined Authority - 2020/2021 Specific Role!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 19:14:45 GMT

I have a specific role to play in 2020/2021's YCA - and I am DELIGHTED!

As a result of the new structure of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority (WMYCA) - having come into place for 2020/21, it is with great delight today (September 30th 2020) to announce that I will serve as the YCA’s Co-Portfolio Lead Member for Transport! For the benefit of all, this excludes the remit of High Speed 2, which sits under the Environment and Energy portfolio.

Working alongside Walsall representative Asad Kaling, we will input into the CA’s Transport Delivery Committee, put a youth swing on to major announcements and be engaged with stakeholders – right from across the region, to push for greater accessibility on the network, targeted investment where it currently lacks, the continued expansion of the SWIFT scheme, greater emphasis on creating cleaner forms of travel and much more alongside these projects too.

Having been on the West Midlands Trains Midlands Stakeholder Equality Group for over 9 ½ months and attending the first ever Regional Road Safety Group meeting in June, the insight I’ve had on the region’s connectivity, makes me excited to engage further and I very much look forward to doing that, with Portfolio Lead Member, in Birmingham City Council Leader Councillor Ian Ward, Transport for West Midlands and hopefully all 7 Local Authority cabinet members, who have transport in there remit.

And knowing of the huge investment across the board and the desire to make the system much friendlier than before, I hope the next 12 months will continue to demonstrate, why the West Midlands Combined Authority both exists and has voices like mine, made loud and clear!

STATEMENT - ANNOUNCEMENT OF WOLVERHAMPTON TO HOST BIRMINGHAM 2022 ROAD CYCLING TIME TRIALS

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 08:30:53 GMT

My full reaction, to one of Wolverhampton's most historic announcements EVER!

PLEASE NOTE: In this circumstance, I am speaking in my capacity as a West Midlands Young Combined Authority Representative, for the City of Wolverhampton; NOT as an Administrator – Ceremonies, Culture and Queen’s Baton Relay, at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.

“I feel utterly thrilled and unbelievably excited, at today’s formal confirmation (Tuesday September 29th, 2020) of the City of Wolverhampton: being announced as the host, for the 22nd Commonwealth Games Road Cycling Time Trials, as part of Birmingham 2022!

The area in and around West Park – which will be at the trial’s very heart with the start and finish, is one of the city’s and region’s most beautiful areas and will provide a spectacular backdrop, to the beginning and end of a challenging, dynamic and lung-busting route, which no doubt and I hope - will be filled by supporters to its brim.

We have a rather rich cycling history, created by the outstanding racers of Andy Tennant, Hugh Porter, Percy Stallard and Trevor Gadd.

All three have multiple national titles, global titles and medals to their names and our citizens showed that passion, when the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Tour of Britain had some thrilling stages start and end within the City Centre.

Even the legendary music composer Sir Edward Elgar, very craftly linked his love for bikes and Wolverhampton Wanderers; by cycling to and from most games at Molineux from his (and my) birthplace of Worcester!

The effects of COVID-19 have challenged Wulfrunians to its very core and even meant the planned award of the 2020 HSBC British Cycling Road Championships, sadly didn’t come to fruition. However, even if it's a year later than billed, the Road Race between Birmingham's Centenary Square and Wolverhampton City Centre via The Black Country, will still be very much enjoyed in June 2021.

And when a once in a generation opportunity lands at the city’s feet, the chance of an enormous boost economically, socially and through tourism is something City of Wolverhampton Council was never going to say no to and I fully congratulate the whole bidding team; regardless of political persuasions, who have been able to bring one of the game’s best events, right to our very doorstep!

Knowing that Wolverhampton have more than £4 Billion of investment in the pipeline or currently happening, our ever evolving and diverse place of more than 265,000 people can look forward to the future it deserves.

Being able to showcase ourselves to the world; on a scale never seen before - will be the most positive and jubilant sign, of such a superb and most progressive story: emerging from our very fine patch of earth!”

West Midlands Young Combined Authority - YEAR 2 ANNOUNCED!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 20:18:55 GMT

A Formal Announcement, confirming a 2nd year on the WMYCA!

Exactly a year ago today, I was appointed to the newly formed West Midlands Young Combined Authority representing the City of Wolverhampton – of which opened the door for 33 16-25-year old’s from across the greatest patch of earth, to get our generation’s voices shouted about, on the massive regional agenda.

Knowing I have been able to twice orate our views at the Combined Authority Board; be apart of COVID-19 Recovery work; influence our hopes within the #WM2041 Climate and Environment plan for a greener West Midlands; help write a Black Lives Matter letter which starkly demonstrated the need for change; co-produce a radical Manifesto, which every Mayoral candidate will see at the heart of the 2021 campaign; be part of many CA events prior to Lockdown and attend two Birmingham 2022 workshops – of which was the catalyst for my appointment to the organising committee as a Administrator for Ceremonies, Culture and Queen’s Baton Relay – a post I began just this week: certainly proves the quest as stated worked and reiterates the true power of such engagement.

Our 2nd year begins from September 1st and with it comes the aim of a more structured, but greater engaged body which expands our reach and opens the door of opportunity, to many more youth representatives across our 3 Cities and 4 Towns.

Following an open invitation to all 2019-20 members, to join a formal board, which integrates brilliantly into the CA’s overarching objectives; become part of a community element, which lets those who can’t fully commit, to still engage on projects from the outside – amongst a much bigger group - or who by choice wanted to say a fond farewell: I can today confirm my appointment to that formal board, for the 2020/21 YCA year!

I massively thank all at The Beatfreeks Collective and the WMCA for their personal support, guidance and sense of opportunity over the last 12 months; particularly after I formally came back to Wolverhampton in December – a decision which couldn’t have worked out more positively.

I give much love to all who are heading to pastures new and express my joy, at continuing to work with many other colleagues; whose passion for young people has made our home much stronger.

UK politics folks may still seem like a lava flow, but the one thing will most certainly not change – is the will, desire and enthusiasm of my generation; to shake things up, to state our honest minds and collectively make the West Midlands, even greater still.

And to play such a firm part – at 22 years young, is a privilege – of which it’s humbleness will never cease!

Wolves 2019-20 Rollercoaster - Not Bad, but what could STILL be!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 21:39:35 GMT

Reflections of A CRAZY season, which despite the Ifs, Buts and Maybes - COULD still have a fairytale ending!

The above selfie at Molineux, ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 UEFA Europa League win against Slovan Bratislava on November 7th 2019, was one which all could have only dreamed about just 4 years ago. Such a result that evening, definately illistrates the progress which has again been made by The Old Gold and with the domestic campaign of 2019-2020 now fully complete, I wish to give a few reflections of it all.

Despite the major intruption, as a result of such a scary and invesible killer: it in my view, has been more steps in the right direction - across all embers of the club; both on and off the surface.

For starters, securing another top 7 finish - making it our best consecutive League finishes since 1960, pulling off o ur highest points total since 1980 in 59 points and having the least number of defeats - since our last title win in 1958-59 of just 9 blanks points wise, automatically puts Nuno Espirito Santo and his side into the good books.

Knowing that 116 points have been won, within our 1st two seasons back in the top flight - with both campaigns equalling 7th place finishes, with 101 goals having been registered and the 1st of those, resulting in a Europa League run which has raised many a brow across the globe, can and should only been seen in good light.

Having also this season, beared witness of claiming the double over the Champions in Manchester City, for the 1st time in who knows how long, alongside the most memorable wins against Torino to help secure the UEL Group Stage spot, Beskitas twice (the 2nd one, which gave me a small cheer on General Election night!) in the Group Stage and Espanyol at home in the Last 32 - on top of League triumphs against Villa at Molineux, Bournemouth at the Vitality, Southampton at St Mary's and Tottenham Hotspur at Spurs £1 Billion stadium: will forever live in the memory box due to the sheer quality and fight on display.

Draws must also be referred to, with there 14 in the top flight this term! Standouts have to be Manchester United at Molineux, thanks to Ruben Neves strike of art, Arsenal at the Emirates, the crazy 1st half against Brighton and Hove Albion at the AMEX and Burnley at Turf Moor, as a result of Raul Jiminez's sheer magic on prime-time. The 3-3 against Braga in the Europa League, which saw more than 6000 members of the Wolfpack make the trip to Portugal, most certainly also gets a mention, due to a 1st half which blew many away!

Seeing too that our Mexican superstar, bagged 26 in our 57 fixtures demonstrates how we are able to pull in, the kind of quality and magic we have been long for. Adama's breakthrough season, can't go without a miss neither knowing his valuable contribution he has made right from the off and the consistency of folk donning The Old Gold and Black; particuarly Mr's Moutinho, Coady, Neves, Boly, Denonker and Patricio, is a big part of the success. Also our signatures of Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto, have been very well justifed - thanks to the excellent way there play, has blended into Nuno's style and brand of football.

Such memories to live through, do feel a little tainted through moments which demonstrate the sheer inability of those at the top - to effectively undertake such duties as required. Video Assistant Referee's implementation was always going to be controversial, but the lonny level it has resulted in negativity towards us, has without doubt shattered confidence and affected on play and results.

The outrageous number of points lost, due to the total incompetance of using a much needed system, has ultimately cost the club, the city and the West Midlands; in the region of an additional £200 Million. The two decisions against Leicester City in both games, Liverpool at Anfield, and Burnley at Turf Moor - in the most inexcusable of decisions; quite probably ever made in Premier League history, has strengthened the view of the system being used, all for the benefit for "The Big Six."

The HQ of The Premier League at The Brunel Building, will have surely feared the economic impact being major, if the likes of Wolves, Leicester City and Sheffield United had succeeded in reaching the Champions League and one genuinely presumes, that Richard Masters and co instructed officals, to protect those who gather the most money. The sickening nature, of such measures seriously being taken, clearly shows the legitimate need: for the wholesale reform of The Football Association, The Premier League and Professional Games Match Officals Limited, with the way in which affairs have been occurred and the knocking of the door - of a new batch of clubs wanting to reshape the order of English Football.

Of course, one would be foolish not to acknowlege the fair number where the boys simply didn't show up, went to deep late on or simply played for a draw - all of which bit us up the backside. 6 Points were lost from points winning positions, against Brighton away, Liverpool at home, Sheffield United away and Burnley away (the last one in extraordinary circumstances); along with us not proving ourselves in the opening 6 games with no wins, by playing much too deep within a fair few fixtures (see the draws and losses list for understanding) and Nuno's nature of being conservative - in changing the team to reflect players form, adjusting the formation for lineups and even using subs during games.

These are things which have very much been the case, within these two seasons and probably will continue to occur next season, as the gaffer's style is his choice. But for progression and smashing the elite, a more radical thought of a boss would be welcome, within the areas referred to, along with stronger squad depth and that IMO means another 3/4 signings (at Centre-Back, Right Wing-Back, Attacking Midfield and Striker) in the window between now and October 5th.

Some understandably consider missing out on 3rd place, by just 7 points as Wolves "bottling it", whilst others see the bad luck and stupidness of officials as the key. I see both elements being creeping in, through expectation getting to the boys sometimes, which thus has meant negative play, coupled with qualifed referees simply not doing there job.

It does feel a little deflating, that such a combination of those dropped 6 points in the mentioned 4 games, plus 7 points being lost through VAR decisions in another 4 fixtures, meant being 13 points away from where we ought to have been. 72 Points would have meant 3rd place - a position no doubt deemed out of reach come kick-off against Everton on August 11th 2018!

But, it again reflects the huge strides made by this giant - now back awake following many years of hibernating - further relfected by what COULD still certainly be. The Europa League run has been marvellous and with the 2nd Leg of the Last 16 on Thursday, a free hit if you like appears, for the lads to attempt something out of the ordinary.

The Final Eight competition in Germany, I think has the possibility of suiting us much better - knowing of the unpredictability of winner takes it all games, our massive fight against the more bigger sides before us and naturally, the opportunity of lifting the biggest (both in weight and club terms) trophy in Wolves history. A European title - in just our 2nd season back in the top flight, would define of what can be done - when good, attractive and fun football is played and write heroes into immortality.

Knowing too, that there has been an average attendance of a whopping 31,360 at Molineux; again the highest since the 1980's, the Club's incredible involvement, in ensuring we as humans stay safe during COVID-19 with Fosun providing millions of equipment across the globe - much of which has come for benefit of the heroes at New Cross Hospital and Wolverhampton NHS Trust and being named just this week, in Brand Finance Football's Top 50 powerful club brands, at Number 19, proves the only way Wanderers are heading and that towards the top of the mountain.

In roundng up: the pundits, press and opposition thought we would simply fall to pieces, due to the unbelieveable schedule that the lads had. On the whole, those assumptions were put to bed by Christmas, with the way we recovered from a slow start and when we are good on the day: WE ARE GOOD!

57 competitive games, up to now has provided a heck of a rollercoaster and knowing that the chance of Silverware still exists and an ever growing fan base right across the globe: Wolverhampton Wanderers, under Nuno Espirito Santo and Fosun International are well on there way.

And to know, that we've done it despite the full blown corruption, incompetence and hatred by referees and Video Assistant Referee: it ain't been that bad! No matter, how long it takes to reach the summit, the signs are immensely promising and many millions, apart of a ride - will sooner rather than later, see something special.

Birmingham 2022 - Excitements sweeps me, with 2 years to go!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 13:32:54 GMT

Why we should embrace - what will be a defining moment for WM & my BIG involvement!

July 28th 2022, will mark the beginning of 11 special and spectacular days - of not just huge sporting action, but celebrating the culture, diversity and the region many million call home: the West Midlands.

The 22nd Commonwealth Games, being hosted at a price of £778 Million; the majority of which has come from the currently forced open purses of Her Majesty's Treasury, will see Birmingham and the wider region be showcased, on a level we could all only dreamed of several years ago.

6500 athletes who will compete - from the 71 Commonwealth Member nations who will grace our shores in 630 days time, will allow for our 5.7 Million population to further see the richness which binds 2 Billion people together - through in this case the power of 19 sports on our shores and the special Archery and Shooting Championships, in India's District of Chandigarh 6 months beforehand.

In knowing that the games, wants to be the most inclusive and accesible in history, it is only welcome that Birmingham 2022 will have the highest number of Female and Para-Sport medals being chased, with 135 Medal events being for Women and 133 for Men, whilst 8 Para-Sports is the largest number of disablilty sports that there will be.

With more than 20% of the whole region (not just the WM Conurbation) being non White British, equalling just under 1 Million as of the 2011 UK Cencus, our depth of diversity and bonds that are therefore shared, makes Birmingham and the West Midlands perfectly placed, to reflect the decency and courage - of the culture we all live within.

The economic advantages are surely among the biggest in the region's history too, with the transformation of the Alexander Stadium for during and after the games, along with a new state of the art Aquatics Facility in Sandwell and the former Smithfields Market's involvement in the games kickstarting it's long awaited regeneration.

Also the usage of much outstanding infrastructure in the NEC, ICC, Arena Birmingham, Edgbaston, the University of Birmingham, the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, the Area of Outstnading Natural Beauty of Cannock Chase, Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield, Victoria Park in Leamington Spa, the Lee Valley Velodrome at the Olympic Park and hopefully the Roads of The Black Country - if the bid for the Cycling Road race hits the jackpot, demonstrates such strength the region has ready to ultilise!

1 Billion people are due to tune in, sponsorship deals have been strengthened considerably by the Commonwealth Games Federation and no doubt, hotels, hostals and places to stay are expected to be at complete capacity, during much of 2022 as a result of the event, across Birmingham and the region.

Tourism will be a huge key, in unlocking the economic rebuild from COVID-19 and the possibility that the games will bring will be one of the biggest boosts a multitude of industries and ensuring locals access a unique and once in a generation opportunity.

With how prepared WM is - both with facilities, finances and diversity, the burst of joy has spread across my body; ever since March 13th 2017's bid announcement and has given me a massive urge to play a part.

And in feeling incredibly luckily: I very much am!

Since joining the West Midlands Young Combined Authority last September, every time Birmingham 2022 is mentioned fills ourselves with glee, knowing that we are the youngest population in Europe and this will be the most awesome chance imagineable, to show with brightness, talent and expertise on the global stage.

Knowing the YCA has had a commitment, to a partnership of some kind with the games, will most definately enable a youth voice to enhance proceedings. And having been at a presentation and consultation session on the Cultural Programme - at The Beatfreeks Collective on January 22nd and on a visit to the game's HQ on February 1st - through the TfWM Youth Forum, clearly shows such a relationship has brilliantly (pre-lockdown) sprung into life.

Just last week, I also became a member of the Games Accessibility Advisory Group, within my role as a member of the West Midlands Trains Midlands Stakeholder Equality Group (Midlands SEG), which will enable disabled people as individuals and organisations, to work collabroatively with the organising committee to ensure that the games are and will be the most accessible and inclusive in history.

This has thus far been splendid from a personal view, but I love seeking opportunities that enables a bigger impact to be made and through one job application made on June 12th, along with an interview on July 14th: one has a pretty cool and major announcement to end this piece on.

I can only feel delighted, thrilled and truly humbled, that my 1st postgraduate job will that of BIRMINGHAM 2022'S CEREMONIES, CULTURE AND QUEENS BATON RELAY TEAM ADMINISTRATOR! I have today recieved the offer for the post - beginning in Mid August and I will now do the formalities as needed, to get everything in place.

The role will be fast moving, very much linked with several teams and being collabroative in the process, knowing the scale of the three areas - all of which have the most imperative role, in making the event the success it will no doubt be.

Knowing that the process of reviewing the applications took almost a month - due to the numbers who applied and the interview being my first sit down and individual interview since April 2015: all within my to date only application I've made whilst job hunting, makes me truly satisfied at securing the post and stepping up personal engagement for the games.

In one small and direct message, to the person I happened to most recently date, between February 16th and December 9th 2019 - your constantly negative words and out of order phrases, most demoralisingly including "If you return to the West Midlands, YOU WILL SERIOUSLY STRUGGLE!" (as referred to in my blog unvealing Speaking Out on July 17th ): may you forever regret at such constant hatred, knowing that such doubts about opportunities and my engagement in things, have certainly been brought down like a brick wall!

The next 2 years, will see a West Midlands be sprung into life - as a result of an event which impact will be felt for a generation. And in playing a soon to be bigger role, I will forever think the region, the nation and the world, will discover it's meaning: in more ways than just 11 days of competiting for glory!

STATEMENT - 2021 LOCAL ELECTIONS

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 20:35:11 GMT

An Update on the Selection Process!

It feels good, that The Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) - did on Wednesday July 1st 2020, formally give the go-ahead to resume some party activities, following what has been the most scary and uncertain of several months in modern times.

This will now enable the party here in the City of Wolverhampton , to shortly resume the selection process via virtual means; for what will be a very crucial set of elections to City of Wolverhampton Council on May 6th 2021 and allow us, to collectively campaign for the more progressive future this great home of mine, that continues to be worked towards.

On the suspension of the process made on March 13th – of which feels a million years ago, I confirmed that I had been shortlisted for what I thought was to the final ward selection which should have been that very evening. It is a ward, which I cannot presently name for various reasons.

With it, that unamable ward's selection I hope will be pretty soon and I will shortly reaffirm, that I very much intend to still run to seek the party nomination.

As stated above, it was originally thought that the unamble ward would be the final selection, that Labour would have to undertake. However, the resignations in March of Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson from Tettenhall Wightwick, following her election in December 2019 and Caroline Siarkiewicz from Heath Town, due to her promotion to CEO of the Money and Pensions Service, very much means the contrary.

Therefore if I am unsuccessful in the unamable ward, I shall very much look to seek selection within Heath Town and Tettenhall Wightwick – the latter of which I lost, by just 1 vote in February 11th’s original selection for and I believe my chances within any of the wards are on a positive scale.

No doubt, the wider recovery to Novel Coronavirus - to give it’s full title from the World Health Organisation, is the big mission that the Council will predominately focus on; knowing of the wholescale change it has had on our lives since March.

It couldn’t be clearer at the top of that, has to the true ending of austerity politics - that has caused the greatest possible chaos and destroyed support services in place under the previous Labour administration. A substantial increase in Council funding, is a demand and a requirement.

But of course, the peskiness of potholes on our roads, the horrible and constant scourge of fly-tipping, the lack of participation in our electoral system along with the continuation of the £4 Billion in development; happening or about to begin right across our city, making the best of the next phase of Brexit and a huge desire, for a type of politics that is not just bold, but is co-operative and engages with resident sincerely: will always remain towards the top of my agenda.

In one final note, the way in which Wolverhampton has pulled its collective weight, as a united and brisk team in supporting all those, who felt the force of COVID-19 and will continue to do so, for a sustained period is one the city should feel proud of. The number of organisations and individuals support, along with the massive number of financial contributions made, further demonstrates the strength of this city's amazing people and those at it's very heartbeat.

It’s that spirit, collaboration and grattiude that must continue and if I achieve the dream, of being chosen to run and then to serve, I will help to do just that, with the humbleness needed by all more than ever: to make this great home, even greater still.

Further updates will come when appropriate and I hope in due course.

#Kashmire4Wolverhampton #CooperativeHonestProgressiveProud #WolvesVotes #Wolverhampton #LE2021

Speaking Out! My Ordinary Life Story

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 14:31:52 GMT

Here are a few Reflections, on a VERY busy period between 2016-2020!

"A real credit to himself and the degree programme throughout his time at SHU.”

"By far one of the most phenomenal people I have had the honour of working with. He is passionate and empathetic and will always do his best for those around him."

"I have seen him grow into a powerful community leader who despite having a learning disability. He never lets it stop him!”

"Always ready to put himself forward, Kashmire takes a positive approach to both opportunity and challenge – a mindset needed for thriving in a political environment!”

These are not my words, but the geniune and seriously lovely considerations, of four wonderful people who I know, value and felt unbelievely priveliaged to have engaged with.

In seeing such quotes coming through, during the development of my 2nd Ordinary Life Book with the team at Changing Our Lives - I seriously had a feeling of humbleness carry through one's veins, knowing of what one has been able to achieve; whether individually or as part of some completely incredible groups of people.

Knowing of my development and further opportunities, of which have occurred since Book One was released in 2016 , it's only right for myself to have shared personal reflections, what was the incredible adventure of my Sheffield Hallam University Undergraduate Politics Degree, stepping up such engagement of whatever kind; whether within Hallam Union, NUS, WMYCA or on a party political front within The Labour Party, along with being able to look back on some amazing visits, wherever they may have taken me.

Also being able to, have the chance to think back - to 2009 and the only 1 SAT's Test I undertook (of which was Science and I scored a 3B on!) and the perails of GCSEs in 2014; where I managed to sweep C's in albeit English Lit (by just 1 mark may I add!) - truly confirms not just the struggles, of folks like myself in Education but also what can occur through a lot of graft and additional support.

This is a time and a period, where positivity in those who do lead and those want to lead; must and need to shine through. I wanted these reflections to be at it's heart and as you'll see whilst reading, this certainly is the case a 100% the way. The picture on the front cover, of myself addressing a Save Our NHS Sheffield rally - on what was a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon on March 3rd 2018, sums such a feeling up.

However: I must for the following two paragraphs, be completely honest and show some dismay, to truly demonstrate all kinds of reflection. These for the record, are not in the book and with it being more than 7 months since leaving Sheffield, I feel it's a good time to get such anger off my chest.

Having had many a comment, by one specific folk who kept constantly saying hurrendous platitudes including "You MUST step it up!" - "This ISN'T good enough!" and even once suggesting "If you return to the West Midlands, YOU WILL SERIOUSLY STRUGGLE!" - understandably hit one's confidence, self-belief and desire greatly.

Seeing that; mainly within the last year and a half of studying, they was there to ferociously be on my back and on my case; whether it was on "Doing way too much outside studying", in there own mind; myself being seen as "A Really **** Society President!" and legit being FURIOUS; at knowing that personal political aspirations here in Wolverhampton were in reach: truly broke the mind and meant me curling into a ball on too many occusions.

You'll all be glad to know, that person is well out of my life and if your reading this, I simply say that you'll NEVER intrude one's emotions like that again and seeing that MANY things are in the offing for myself; including employment sooner rather than later, with my first interview with Birmingham 2022 being this very week: my pride has barely been scratched.

In returning to the good vibes, the last few months of pulling this together, has been fairly enjoyable (if not a bit strange in Lockdown!) and I give a massive personal thank you, to Jayne Leeson, Lucy Dunstan and Rachel Spriggs, for there assistance in helping pull this together. They are three extremely impressive humans, whose dedication for rights advocacy, will always make them stand tall.

Of course too, I give massive kudos to Nabeela Mowlana, Matthew Hurley, Lucy Gosling and Gina Patel, for there those excellent quotes at the beginning. All four people are the most outstanding professionals and even if Gina's didn't make the final cut, I will still very much share it - knowing the progress I've also seen in you, since we reunited as YCA reps in September 2019!

And it would be foolish, not to give big love to one's family - particuarly my Mum Daljit, Father William, brothers Kieran, Keanu and Kulraj and basically everyone, who by blood or by law is linked to myself! I hope you enjoy, a reaffirmation that this Hawker aims to be a good one.

Becoming a Changing Our Lives Young Leader, as a slighty more shy 16 year old in March 2014, was in full retospect a life changing moment, knowing of the doors that duly opened - all in the fight for standing up, for the rights of any disabled person; whether in the West Midlands or beyond.

Engagement and participation of the kind, within the very unbalanced society which still exists in 2020, is something I would urge anyone to really get stuck into. The West Midlands, is an area whose resident's potential, is being hampered serverely through those at the top, not fully reflecting what an ordinary life - for a 22 year old, Autistic University Graduate like myself is properly like.

It's my desire to change that, which is why I've shared such a journey; which is why I love the rollercoaster of political engagement and which - in the very end; makes me fired up, to put the wrongs right and help create a City like Wolverhampton; a Region like the West Midlands and a Country like the United Kingdom: the fairer place it can AND should be!

STATEMENT - YOUNG LABOUR UK ELECTIONS 2020

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 20:32:00 GMT

It's time I stepped forward and help make our Young Labour Movement, as Accessible, Inclusive and Democratic as possible!

As an active Labour Party member since 2015, I have felt grateful for being part of a family; of which despite its natural divisions and disagreements, all agree for the need of a better and bolder nation.

In the past few weeks, I have begun to see how I; a 22-year-old BAME Autistic University graduate, with considerable experience in representation and fighting for greater rights, can take the next step in that journey.

And with the National Young Labour Elections around the corner, I feel I have identified that next step.

Being a young man, who has a hidden disability, it won’t be surprising to know that the fear of exclusion, has gripped myself many an occasion; not just thanks to how many Young Labour events are run, but the inaccessibility that exists in every corner of the movement.

As a party which created The Equality Act, not catering for those who need support the most, is the most inexcusable of acts imaginable.

What is the point of us - existing as a party which seeks to govern, if we can’t be Accessible, Inclusive and Democratic, to our very own Young and Disabled Members; all of whom have a huge amount to offer?!

Having worked for Black Country rights based disability advocacy charity; Changing Our Lives, along been Sheffield Young Labour and Hallam SU Labour Disability Member’s Officer, NUS Disabled Students’ Committee in 2018/19, been a representative of all kinds since 2011 and was prior to COVID-19 pausing everything, in the throes of attempting selection, to run for Council in the place that I made my home at 11 and ultimately changed one’s life; in the City of Wolverhampton, I believe one's experience can and now should be made use of, on a national level.

Therefore: in the hope For Greater Accessibility, For Greater Inclusivity and For Greater Democracy , I can today confirm that it is my intention to seek election, as Young Labour UK’s next Disability Member’s Officer later this year.

It is truly about time that the party stepped up; not just in continuing to shout about the transformative society we need, but to be better towards young disabled members, who have a massive role to play in our future.

In being independent minded, part of no fraction as such politics is too divisive for our concerns and willing to play my part, I would welcome anyone aboard such a campaign and I will shortly endeavour to seek folks ideas, stories and honest opinions, in helping to create a plan which will allow all disabled young members, parity of access and in the democracy of the party.

Any election is never easy and seeking office is seen as a brave thing, but knowing where the country is, where our movement is and being willing to put things right, it is a step I am more than content to take.

Together, let’s build a movement that is more Accessible, more Inclusive and more Democratic and ultimately allows participation!

#Kashmire4DMO #NoOneIsTooDisabled #Labour #YoungLabour

2020 - Pandemic or Not; still A BUSY YEAR!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:19:05 GMT

How 2020 has been for me, thus far!

Who'd geniunely thought, that when on New Year's Eve whilst having a few celebratory drinks with my Father at his home in Wednesfield, that we'd see the globe be flipped on an axis in such a bonkers fashion and that come the end of the first half, of the first year of the third decade this century, the nation knows it won't ever be the same!

For me - despite the realms of a 6 1/2 month breather since December 9th 2019 and currently being on the job hunt, January to June has still meant a lot of fun and important stuff.

Most has been through the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, of which has meeting regularly in person before March and online since then; but still enabling opportunities such as speaking at the CA Board twice and being at all 3 of 2020's meeting, being engaged with the CA led Citizen's Panel on post Covid-19 recovery, influcing the #WM2041 Climate strategy which aims to make our region fully carbon-neutral in 21 years time and amongst other things, pushing out Government guidelines in a young people friendly fashion (even if they sound confusing as heck)...

Alongside this, I've had the joys of being linking in with several other organisations too:

West Midlands Trains and the recently expanded Midlands Stakeholder Equality Group, which pre Coronavirus had mainly organised a Disability Access Conference for stakeholders across the railway industry (of which will now be later this year), were apart of WMT's Inspiration and Recovery Webinar in mid June and took part in 3 bi-monthly meetings
Wolverhampton Wanderers Fans Parliament - of which after a 4 month break returned to meeting just last week virutally, on things relating to the club and gathering fans input on how fans should let back into the Golden Palace that is Molineux
Leading the Disabled Students Caucus for the National Union of Student's Liberation Conference, of which saw myself chair a debate of 90 plus disabled students from up and down the nation, on disability matters at Universities
Being part of a UK Youth Webinar on all things digital - of which a further piece shall come about soon!
Being invited to be on Solutions for the Planet Big Idea's 2020 West Midlands judging panel, of which occurs in early July, as one of the younger judges evaluating this year's entries
Social Media volunteering, for the excellent gang at Zest Community in Sheffield, of which through the powers of technology is being done from one's home 95 miles away, from the organisation's HQ in Upperthrope
And even being chosen as a Silverstone volunteer Race Maker, of which even if there are no events for us to attend thanks to the current climate, gives the 400 strong team a great deal of excitement!

The cherry on the top, has to have been re-engaging with the team at Changing Our Lives; one of the most outstanding and impressive rights based charities in the land. Along with being asked to become an Associate for COL, which will enbable myself to be part of further projects with the team, I have been busy creating my second version of a Leadership Book, which has given more of my leadership story and the way's I've been Speaking Out (there's your title!). The 1st edition - released shortly after beginning University in 2016, can be found here and I will shortly announce the release date for the said 2nd book.

And as on the 2021 Local Elections page, I've somehow at just 22 years young had the chance pre Lockdown, to offer myself for service on a big level. Knowing that The Labour Party have announced selections will be resuming shortly via the web and knowing of there being two further wards, that will need filling thanks to resignations of Councillors along with the one selection on hold, gives me every hope of achiving something special. Do therefore see a full statement updating you on my thinking and way ahead.

Even if at times one has felt isolated, a bit lonely and totally bewildered, as to what the wild world is like and what a full post COVID-19 recovery pans out to being, I feel confident that things are heading in the right direction for me.

It's taken time, it's take effort, but my intention to make the second part of this extraordinary year, one of the most productive yet!

A Huge Hello!

183:793733348 (Kashmire Hawker) — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 16:40:35 GMT

Welcome: a long last, to a site about ME!

Bonjour! Even though I once gave French a go in 2nd Year at Sheffield Hallam, that and a little more is all I can remember. Oops!

It feels extremely delightful, that at last I can show off, what I hope will be an ever evolving website, all about not just the adventures I have, or the events I end up speaking at, but showing what life is like for a 22 year old on the Autism Spectrum - currently taking a breather following a crazy 3 and a bit years at University.

I have always wanted a space, that not just informs, updates or even shows my different sides, but somewhere that during the remainder of life (as long as I hope it will be), to show why I love representation, the mad realms of Politics, Wolves, Little Mix, the Railways and a lot of other stuff in between.

The intention is simple - a few posts each week, to show what I get on with - whether electioneering, concert going, or representing young people, what my feelings about the world and even try and sum up what visits to Molineux and beyond create, in knowing of my City's best bunch in a generation, to don the Old Gold.

And knowing of the extraordinary times we live within, I hope this becomes somewhere will people will look to, with as real sense of positiveness.

Hope all are staying safe, staying at home and doing there bit, to help the biggest and scariest invisible killer of our lifetimes!

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STATEMENT: Wolverhampton Wanderers Relegation from the Premier League

My thoughts on a terrible moment for my city and Wulfrunians around the globe.

PERSONAL STATEMENT - Abuse in my Local Election Campaign

A warning this does contain some crude language.

2025 Christmas Reflections

My yearly thoughts and feelings ahead of December 25th and that connections are wonderful.

A Birthday Reflection

Hello being 28! Some views as another year is ticked off.

The Race of my Life! 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run

My thoughts following completing the most popular Half Marathon on the planet!

The Great North Run - Why I'm Running

Sunday is a big day! Here's why I am part of #TeamStroke for the Great North Run.

In Utter PARADISE! Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour Delivered by DHL

My reflecions on a breathtaking and powerfully emotional night, seeing a global icon at Wembley.

The Neon Green Dream! The 2025 British Grand Prix

Some reflections on volunteering at a truly EPIC 2025 British Grand Prix!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Selection as Candidate for Penn for 2026 Local Elections

Deeply honoured to be running in Penn for a third year running. Bring on the campaign!

Spanish Grand Prix Preview – A scorcher, but no clue who for!

Hola from the Costa Brava ahead of some Grand Prix racing, at the end of a Magnificent May!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Appointment to the Board of Coventry Biennial Limited

I'm honoured to have joined the Board and become a Trustee of a force in Contemporary Arts in the West Midlands!

STATEMENT: Failure by Wolves to Support Wolves Women

My response to sadly no promotion for Wolves Women, even if they had won the League!

Appointment to Solutions for the Planet's Youth Insights Panel

I am thrilled to being part of an exciting step, in Solutions' next stage of development!

World Autism Awareness Day 2025 - Personal Reflections and an Announcement

Some thoughts and a long chewed over announcement, this World Autism Awareness Day.

Remarks to West Midlands Labour Party Regional Conference - March 1st 2025

Status of "First Time Delegate, First Time Speaker" obtained!

Happy New Year! 2024 Review Part 2 and 2025 Look Ahead

A Very Happy New Year! A few more Reflections on 2024 and a 2025 Preview

Season's Greetings and some 2024 Reflections

Co-operative Party Youth Network Election 2024 - Candidate Statement

My Candidate Statement for the Co-operative Party Youth Network Committee Election. Polls Close on 6th January!

Wolverhampton Wanderers: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Here's a rant, knowing of the status of my Football Club, whose future is in deep danger...

PERSONAL STATEMENT: My Party Political Engagement in Short and Medium Term

An update on my party political engagement and electioneering moving forward.

Here’s to Chapter 28 (turning 27)!

As another Birthday comes around, here's a few reflections.

The Eras Tour: A Night that left me Bejeweled!

A special blog post, in reflecting upon seeing one of the greatest artists of our times on August 19 th !

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Far-Right Action in the UK

STATEMENT: Wolves Season Ticket Prices

A Response to the Announcement following yesterday's Fan Advisory Board Meeting.

2024 Aims and Aspirations

Happy New Year! A post on my hopes for A BIG period now here.

2023 Reflections

Community’s in Unison - A Great Few Weeks!

After another humbling night at Molineux, some few thoughts on an excellent few weeks.

Young Fabians Executive Committee Election 2023

My Candidate's Statement, for YF Exec Committee's Election. Voting closes on October 13th!

Viva Chapter 27!

Another Birthday comes around and means a return to getting posts back here! Thanks for the support.

STATEMENT: Result of Election of Councillors, to serve on City of Wolverhampton Council for Penn Ward

2022 - It's Been A Blast!

A few thoughts, as this most EXTRAORDINARY year concludes

2022 Christmas Message - Hold Those Closest The Tightest

My Annual Christmas Message on this extremely reflective Day.

LETTER PUBLICATION: Formal Complaint of Khuram Mahmood, WMYCA Board Member

I have today written to the WM Mayor and WMCA CEO, raising a formal complaint. Here's the letter.

STATEMENT: Announcement of Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships and Wolverhampton 2025 Kabaddi World Cup

My response to two INCREDIBLE announcements which SPECTACULARLY cements B2022's Legacy!

That Incredible Day: Gracing The Green Benches!

On the day which the UK Youth Parliament return to the Green Benches, I reflect on my day part of it in 2014 in the first of a new series!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Selection as LE2023 Labour Candidate for Penn!

Thrilled to announce where I shall on a Ballot Paper on May 4th 2023!

Thank You, Birmingham 2022!

My Once-In-A-Lifetime Role at a Games that changed Brum and WM ends today.

﻿ And I am forever grateful!

2022 Molineux Sleepout

Here's why I'm for a 2nd year braving the elements and Sleeping in a Molineux stand for two extraordinary Charities!

West Midlands Young Combined Authority: THANK YOU.

A Formal word of thanks, for letting me Serve on a unique powerhouse of Representation for three extraordinary years!

Chapter 25 – You've been a Ride.

Today marks me hitting a Quarter of a Century - here's some thoughts on the last year on this important day!

STATEMENT: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

A Personal Statement, on the end of the life one of Planet Earth's greater ever people.

A special blog post, in reflecting upon seeing one of the greatest artists of our times on August 19 ^th !

And I am forever grateful!

With 66 Days To Go, I launch a Campaign Diary and this first post is simple:
Hello Tettenhall Wightwick!