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Firefighter who fled war-torn country calls for others to join fire services

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Credit: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

A firefighter who left his country after it was devastated by war is encouraging other immigrants to follow in his footsteps and enter into a career with the fire service.

Bahri Mustafa has been a loved member of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for 17 years.

The 40-year old fled Albania 20 years ago after war broke out and settled in Gateshead.

He spent 15 years serving his community in Gateshead before moving across the River Tyne where he is now stationed at West Denton Community Fire Station.

Soon after his arrival, Baz, as he is affectionately known by friends colleagues, fulfilled his childhood dream becoming a firefighter in 2005.

He was inspired to enter into the career after his father had to go to hospital suffering with severe burns when Mustafa was only young.

The father-of-two is calling on other immigrants who have settled in the UK to consider becoming a firefighter.

Mustafa said: “It was incredibly difficult to leave my home country once the war broke out, but I knew that I needed to in order to stay safe. It was scary and isolating when I first arrived in the UK but I found my place at TWFRS.

“My friend told me I should apply because I had all the qualities to make a good firefighter, I’m fit and passionate about safety and helping people and I knew it would be a good fit for me.

“So I applied and got through, the training was tough but I expected nothing less because it helps you realise every time you put on your fire kit the responsibility on your shoulders.

“I mean its 17 years later and if I could go back and do it all again I definitely would, I love this job my children are so proud of the work I do.”

Mustafa believes one of the most important skills as a firefighter is compassion and being able to be there for people at some of their lowest moments.

He said: “You have to really put yourself in people’s shoes in this job, you often turn up to a job and people are at their worst so you’ve got to think fast and change the way you speak.

“Interacting with the public is a huge part of what we do and you never know what’s going on in someone’s life so compassion is so important.”

On Tuesday one of TWFRS’s highest ranking firefighters thanked him for his service as well as encouraging others to join him.

Assistant Chief Officer, Lynsey McVay, said: “Its people like Baz who make our service so fantastic, they are so passionate about their roles and keeping people safe that it can be infectious.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters who you are and why you want to help people, that’s what we are interested in.

“We are continuing with one of the biggest recruitment drives we have ever had and want to encourage others to consider a career with us.

“Regardless of your age, gender, race, religion or sexuality, there is a home for you here in Tyne and Wear so get on our website and apply to become part of the team.”

 

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Brewdog CEO speaks out against North East Council Treatment

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Brewdog Owner speaks out on Durham Council

 

You can see the post below James posted below…

 

Epic Incompetency: The Tragic Tale Of BrewDog Durham: an update & a sweepstake.

Last year I shared on update on here on the BrewDog Durham saga after many of you had requested more information on this bar.

We completed construction and were ready to open the bar, with all the relevant consents and permits in place in 2022. Overall, we have invested over £1 million into the location.

We created almost 30 brand new jobs, and we hired a full team for the beautiful new venue. We even had food and drink on the tables in preparation for the opening.

We only did this, as the council had told us we were going to be able to open.

And then they changed their mind, and on multiple occasions, delayed the opening. They also delayed the opening of other new businesses such as Everyman Cinema and Premier Inn at the Milburngate development.

We still have no idea when we can open the doors.

At a time when the UK needs jobs, needs investment, and needs economic rejuvenation more than ever, this staggering display of incompetence here by the council is almost beyond comprehension.

It is no wonder that the UK is falling far behind other countries in terms of economic performance and standard of living.

The epic ineptitude and complete paralysis of the council our economy is missing out on hundreds of jobs, the government are missing out on valuable tax revenue and the good people of Durham are missing out on brilliant entertainment options.

Over a week ago we emailed the members of the council asking for an update. It may come as no surprise that this email has not even been answered.

If they cannot even respond to an email this significance in terms of job creation and economic development in a week, it is little wonder they cannot even handle the most basic elements of project management.

This saga has already been rumbling on since 2022, and unfortunately there is no end in sight.

To try and help speed up the council, we have decided to organise a sweepstake, and we are encouraging members of the council to participate too!

The winner, who guesses the correct date, will win a year’s worth of free beer!

Simply leave the date which you think BrewDog Durham will officially open in the comments below and if you are correct, you win the beery reward.

 


 

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Budget 2024: The Key Points at a Glance

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The Budget 2024 - announcements and developments

The Budget 2024: The Finance Minister has announced the elimination of the special tax status for non-domiciled residents, which is expected to generate an additional £2.7 billion annually. Additionally, a reduction of 2p in national insurance has been confirmed.

During the budget announcement, Jeremy Hunt highlighted that “permanent reductions in taxes” are feasible due to the significant decrease in inflation, which is projected to reach the 2% target rate in the upcoming months.

He allocated nearly £6 billion to the National Health Service, with plans to implement artificial intelligence to reduce paperwork for medical professionals as part of a digitization initiative.

Furthermore, the reduction of 5p in fuel duty has been prolonged for an additional year. The government is also maintaining stable prices for beer, wine, and spirits until February 2025 in support of the iconic British pub.

In an effort to promote investment in British companies, individuals will now have the opportunity to invest up to £5,000 tax-free, beyond their existing Individual Savings Account (ISA) limit, through a new “British ISA.” Other key announcements include:

• The threshold for the High Income Child Benefit Charge will be raised from £50,000 to £60,000. Additionally, new excise duties will be imposed on vaping products and a singular increase in tobacco duty.

• The higher rate of capital gains tax on properties will decrease from 28% to 24%. The VAT registration threshold will be increased from £85,000 to £90,000 starting April 1, marking the first increase in seven years.

• An extension of the financial support fund for vulnerable households for an additional six months.

• Predictions indicate the UK economy will grow by 0.8% this year and 1.9% in 2025.

• Allocation of substantial funds to address the “historic underinvestment in our nations and regions.”

The reduction of 2p in national insurance was anticipated, following a similar cut in the previous autumn statement, potentially saving the average worker up to £900 annually.

However, the Finance Minister faced pressure from Conservative MPs to decrease income tax or adjust tax thresholds to prevent individuals from moving into higher tax brackets due to salary increases. This budget is expected to be the final one before the upcoming election, with Hunt facing challenges to stimulate economic growth and improve the government’s standing with voters.

The UK recently entered a technical recession at last year’s end, and current opinion polls show the Conservatives trailing by approximately 20 points.

Prior to the budget release, opposition Finance Minister Rachel Reeves criticized the government’s handling of the economy, stating, “The Conservatives promised to fix the nation’s roof, but instead they have shattered the windows, broken the door, and now they’re setting the house on fire. With taxes increasing, ongoing price rises in stores, and the onset of recession, no actions or words from the Finance Minister can repair the economic damage inflicted by the Conservatives over the last decade.”

 

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Free travel for Newcastle United fans this weekend!

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Free travel for Newcastle United fans in a weekend of football action

Newcastle United fans are in for a sustainable treat thanks to an innovative collaboration between the football club and Newcastle City Council. Over the first weekend of February, supporters attending the home clash against Luton Town on Saturday, 3rd February, will have the opportunity to avail themselves of free matchday travel, courtesy of this forward-thinking initiative.

With an impressive turnout of over 52,000 expected at St. James’ Park, fans are urged to make the most of complimentary public transport to and from the match. This unique offering not only promises to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with matchday travel but also underscores a collective commitment to environmental stewardship.

Accessible to all supporters starting three hours prior to kick-off until the conclusion of service, fans need only present their matchday ticket or season card to enjoy free travel across Tyne and Wear, facilitated by The Metro or Arriva, Stagecoach, and Go North East bus services.

The weekend’s sustainability drive extends to Sunday, 4th February, as ticket holders for Newcastle United Women’s fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers WFC at Kingston Park (kick-off 2pm GMT) can also benefit from complimentary travel.

This joint endeavor seeks to promote sustainable practices, with the football club and council exploring various initiatives aimed at fostering positive behavioral changes conducive to the local environment’s well-being.

Newcastle United’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond matchdays, encompassing initiatives like biodegradable cups, waste recycling, and low-carbon food options. Moreover, the Newcastle United Foundation’s educational endeavors have provided over 20,000 primary school children with access to sustainability lessons, covering topics such as recycling, environmental conservation, and healthy eating habits.

Helen Hughes, Sustainability Manager at Newcastle United, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its dual impact of cost savings for supporters and heightened awareness of sustainable travel options, which ultimately benefit individuals and the city at large. She reiterated the club’s steadfast belief in the transformative power of incremental improvements towards carbon footprint reduction.

The 3rd-4th February travel initiative builds upon Newcastle United’s ongoing partnership with local authorities and transport operators, notably the ‘Magpie Mover’ scheme. This scheme offers season ticket holders unlimited travel on the metro, bus, and ferry during home matchdays for a nominal fee of £25 per season.

Public transportation plays a pivotal role in St. James’ Park’s sustainability strategy, alleviating congestion and enhancing air quality within the city center during peak periods. Huw Lewis, Nexus Customer Services Director, commended the initiative, highlighting Metro’s role as a convenient, eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Councillor Marion Williams, cabinet member for a Connected, Clean City at Newcastle City Council, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of embracing greener, more sustainable travel practices. She emphasized the collective responsibility of fans in contributing to a cleaner, healthier city and urged their active participation in this commendable endeavor.

 

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