Latest news with #BEM
Leader Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Full weekend of Giddo's Gift fundraising this month
Giddo's Gift was founded in memory of Jordan 'Giddo' Giddins, a courageous young man from Flint who sadly lost his battle with Ewings Sarcoma in 2017, aged just 18. His mum, Mandy Giddins BEM, and sister, Beth Giddins, set up the charity to continue his legacy of helping other young people facing cancer. The charity provides financial support and gift donations to young people aged 13 to 24 who are undergoing treatment for cancer, aiming to bring comfort, relief, and a sense of normality during an incredibly challenging time. To mark Giddo's birthday, the charity is kicking off the weekend with a daring charity abseil down St Asaph Cathedral on Saturday, June 28. A team of 24 fundraisers - including BEM recipient Mandy, charity trustees, ambassadors, and long-time supporters - are taking part in the emotional challenge. Participants are travelling from as far afield as Yorkshire, with Melanie Buckley, vice-chair of Flintshire Council and former Mayor of Flint, also among those descending the 62m drop. Jordan Giddins (Image: Giddo's Gift) More than £1,500 has already been raised ahead of the event, and the chosen location holds deep significance for the Giddins family. Mandy said: 'Jordan spent a lot of time having treatment at Glan Clwyd Hospital, just minutes from St Asaph, so we passed the cathedral hundreds of times. "Celebrating this day will never be the same without Jord but we remember his legacy and kindness, and the gift he was to us. When the vicar offered us this date, we just knew it was from Jordan. He wants us to do this.' The weekend of events begins on Friday, June 27 with the annual Go Blue for Jord day. Schools, businesses and members of the community will don blue - Jordan's favourite colour and the colour of his beloved Manchester City FC - to raise awareness and funds for the charity that carries his name. Mandy said: 'Year on year, the support we've received from the community is just incredible. But year on year, more young people are being referred to our charity – we can't stop now. Read more "We ask that you wear blue on the Friday to remember our hero, and donate what you can so we can continue bringing joy and hope to others in a similar situation to what Jord went through.' The commemorations close with Giddo's Football Tournament on Sunday, June 29 at Deeside Leisure Centre from 2-6pm. Teams are still welcome to sign up for the friendly competition by emailing hello@ Mandy added: 'This whole weekend is about celebrating who Jord was - his strength, his love of people, and his passion for life. He brought so many people together, and that's exactly what we'll be doing all weekend. "It means the world to know we're still making a difference in his name.'
Time Out
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Juneteenth 2025 in NYC: best events, parades and celebrations around the city
It's the newest holiday in New York City and a very important one: Juneteenth is here for 2025, so it's time to celebrate! Events across the city will commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Black Americans have been marking the day since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. Juneteenth events in NYC this year include festivals, musical performances, comedy shows and family-friendly activities. Many festivities take place on the actual day—Thursday, June 19—but other events will run throughout the weekend, so you can keep the party going. Read on for our top Juneteenth picks and catch our full guide to the holiday here. Parades and festivals 1. Juneteenth Family Festival Where: Lewis Latimer House | Flushing, Queens When: Saturday, June 20 How much: Free to attend The Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Lewis Latimer House features live performances, hands-on activities and powerful tributes to Black innovation, creativity and resilience. Inspired by Latimer's legacy, this immersive event brings history to life through interactive S.T.E.A.M. activities exploring light, sound, flight and invention. 2. Juneteenth Food Festival Where: Weeksville Heritage Center | Crown Heights, Brooklyn When: Thursday, June 19 How much: Free to attend This year's lineup includes 29 local food vendors and artisans that span African American, Caribbean, Latin American and African foodways across the diaspora. The day-long event also includes Black food literature from BEM | Books & more, double-dutch performances from the Jazzy Jumpers and dance performances from the youth drumline and dance group, Brooklyn United. As for tunes, DJ Spinna will be headlining the festivities, providing the vibes all afternoon long 3. Juneteenth NY Festival Where: Various locations When: Now through Thursday, June 19 How much: Free to attend The 16th Annual Juneteenth NY Festival gathers thousands of attendees in Brooklyn for a vibrant celebration of rich culture through family festivals, music, dance, history, vendors, and more through June 19. Events include a Black Kings celebration, a free festival with local vendors, a parade, a fashion show and a virtual summit. Concerts and performances 4. We Outside: A Brooklyn Juneteenth Where: The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place | Downtown Brooklyn When: Saturday, June 21 How much: Free to attend Taking over The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place in Downtown Brooklyn, the day-long event will feature a series of musical performances, spoken word, dance workshops and other special experiences throughout the day hosted by 651 Arts and The Soapbox Presents. Additionally, there will be a curated Made Black marketplace to shop. 5. Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth Where: Times Square | Midtown Manhattan When: Thursday, June 19 How much: Free to attend The Broadway League's Black to Broadway Initiative will host its annual Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth concert, a free outdoor event centered around Black artistry and community. Head to Times Square to hear an all-Black Broadway cast performing Broadway musical numbers. 6. Juneteenth Jazz Jubilee Where: Adler Hall | Upper West Side, Manhattan When: Saturday, June 21 How much: Tickets range from $30-$200 Celebrate Juneteenth with a rousing tribute to musical giants like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson at Adler Hall. Top-tier jazz artists will unite with the MOTI Reentry Dream Band—a talented ensemble of formerly incarcerated musicians, led by guitarist David O'Rourke with Jonathan Finkelman, Jeff and Jennie Angell, Charles Walker, Patrick Morgan and Dawud Rahman—for a soul-stirring show. Family-friendly activities 7. Still We Rise: Juneteenth Celebration Where: Brower Park | Crown Heights, Manhattan When: Thursday, June 19 How much: Free to attend The Brooklyn Children's Museum's annual celebration at Shirley Chisholm Circle in Brower Park is themed "Still We Rise" in tribute to Maya Angelou. Attendees can enjoy a full slate of free, open-to-the-public programming including live performances by Brooklyn United Marching Band and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, line dance workshops led by STooPS, a bookmobile and storytime session from Brooklyn Public Library, planting activities with Field Meridians, delicious eats provided by The Bergen Food Truck and much more. 8. Juneteenth at the Children's Museum of Manhattan Where: Upper West Side, Manhattan When: Thursday, June 19 How much: Included with museum admission Revelers of all ages are welcome to celebrate Juneteenth at the Children's Museum of Manhattan with a full day of interactive art projects in celebration of Black liberation, resilience, and joy. Activities include mural painting, a musical jam session, and zine-making. Comedy shows 9. Drunk Black History Celebrates Juneteenth Where: The Bell House | Gowanus, Brooklyn When: Thursday, June 19 Cost: Tickets cost $32 Join Brandon Collins' critically acclaimed show Drunk Black History to celebrate Juneteenth with booze-filled lesson hosted by Gary Simons, Lea'h Sampson, Tocarra Elise and other surprise guests. The twist: They'll be skunked out of their minds trying to recap the biography of a historical Black figure or event that hasn't gotten the mainstream love they deserved. It will be plenty entertaining, surprisingly educational and, as always, hilariously unpredictable. 10. Where: Caveat | Lower East Side, Manhattan When: Thursday, June 19 Cost: Tickets cost $20-$25 REPARATIONS!, a Juneteenth celebration of Black improv comedy, is back for its fourth edition, hosted by WildNOut castmate Sydney Duncan as she celebrates the holiday with a "Blackity-Black showcase" of some of NYC's top Black improv talents and sketch teams. Along with a special headlining stand-up set by Eagle Witt, the hilarious evening will see funny folks like The Blacksmiths, Brothered Toast, Black Coalition, PWIx2fifs, North Coast, Pencils of Color, Mommas Biscuits and Branded Silk.
South Wales Guardian
6 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Carmarthenshire women receive British Empire Medals
Marian Louise Evans and Judith Harvey were honoured in a ceremony at County Hall in Carmarthenshire on May 29, marking the first official engagement of the newly appointed chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Councillor Dot Jones. The medals were presented by Miss Sara Edwards, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed. Phillip Hughes, cabinet member for organisation and workforce at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: "These awards are a true testament to the power of local action and leadership. "Marian and Judith exemplify the values of dedication, service and inspiration. "We are proud to celebrate their success and the example they set for others in our communities." Ms Evans received the BEM for services to business. As founder and managing director of Elevate Business Consultancy, she has delivered transformational change across the sector. She has been widely recognised for her leadership, particularly in championing women in business. During the pandemic, Ms Evans supported more than 2,000 businesses through free resilience sessions and online content that reached at least 300,000 people each month. Her voluntary work has earned her titles such as UK Mentor of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Decade. Ms Harvey was awarded the BEM for services to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. She began her career as one of the UK's first female wardens and has spent her life working in conservation and land management. Since 2012, she has served as head warden, mentoring apprentices and volunteers, leading major restoration projects, and working to protect the park's ecosystems and heritage. Both recipients received their medals from the Lord-Lieutenant and were presented with flowers by Lord-Lieutenant cadets Chloe Faulkner and Zuzzana Radkowska. There was also a moving speech from Ms Harvey. Councillor Jones used the ceremony to reflect on the value of female role models in public life and the ongoing need for greater representation in leadership across all levels of local democracy. The British Empire Medal was first introduced in 1917 and reintroduced in 2012 to recognise hands-on service and outstanding contributions to the community.
Pembrokeshire Herald
7 days ago
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Carmarthenshire honours local heroes at British Empire Medal ceremony
A SPECIAL presentation ceremony took place at County Hall on 29 May to honour two remarkable individuals who have been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of their outstanding service. The event, hosted by the newly appointed Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Dot Jones, marked her first official engagement and was attended by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who presented the honours on behalf of His Majesty The King. The British Empire Medal, first established in 1917 and reintroduced in 2012, recognises individuals who have demonstrated hands-on, impactful contributions to their communities. Nominations come directly from the people who witness these contributions every day; colleagues, neighbours and friends, making the honour personal and meaningful. Mrs Marian Louise Evans was recognised for services to business. As founder and Managing Director of Elevate Business Consultancy, Mrs Evans has delivered transformational change across the sector. As a multi-award-winning professional, she has been widely acknowledged for her leadership, particularly in championing women in business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she offered vital support to over 2,000 businesses through free resilience sessions and online content, reaching over 300,000 people each month. Her voluntary work has earned her titles such as UK Mentor of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Decade. She received her medal from the Lord-Lieutenant and was presented with flowers on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Chloe Faulkner. Miss Judith Harvey received the British Empire Medal for services to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Having begun her career as one of the UK's first female wardens, she has dedicated her life to conservation, land management and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. As Head Warden since 2012, Miss Harvey has mentored countless apprentices and volunteers, led significant restoration projects and worked passionately to protect the park's ecosystems and heritage. She was presented with her medal by the Lord-Lieutenant and flowers from Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Zuzzana Radkowska, before addressing the audience in a moving speech. Closing the ceremony, the Chair of the Council praised both recipients for their service and reflected on the importance of role models in public life, especially for women and girls. She noted the growing presence of women in leadership roles, while recognising that progress must continue at all levels of local democracy. Their achievements, she said, lay a strong foundation for others to follow. Cllr Phillip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce, said: 'These awards are a true testament to the power of local action and leadership. Marian and Judith exemplify the values of dedication, service and inspiration. We are proud to celebrate their success and the example they set for others in our communities.'
BBC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Newport legend Parselle recognised in King's Birthday Honours
Newport County have congratulated club legend Norman Parselle for being awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King's Birthday Honours list for his outstanding service to sport and the local community.A former player and lifelong County fan, Pill-born Parselle has led the club's County in the Community charity since it began in 2013. He is currently its chief charity delivers sport projects and schemes for people in Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen with a staff of more than 20. "Norman has worked tirelessly to deliver and increase sports participation, improve health and education, social inclusion and the environment," said Newport on their official website. "His work makes a huge difference to the local community, and he is regarded by the club and those in the community he serves as a tremendous ambassador for the football club."If anyone deserves recognition for his tireless and selfless work in the community then it is Norman Parselle." Known affectionately as 'Norm', Parselle has been involved with County for more than 30 years and was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2015.
