Words: Matthew Hinchliffe

There is a new cool kid on the block, and we’re not talking about the beautiful model Jasmia Robinson from Britain’s Next Top Model, this kid comes with two wheels and is the brain-child of Mayor for London Boris Johnson.

The Mayor’s flagship cycling scheme – Barclays Cycle Hire, was officially launched in London this morning and was heralded a “new dawn” in London’s bid to become the greatest big cycling city in the world.

Docking one of thousands of new bicycles at a Barclay’s Hire Station, the mayor was joined by Marcus Agius, the chairman of the schemes sponsor Barclays, and London Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy.

They were also joined by former Britain’s Next Top Model contestant and soloist Jasmia Robinson who said: “I have come down to support the launch; it’s an efficient, healthy and cost-effective way to travel across the city.”

Matthew from FLYER News said: “We’ve now road tested this bicycle for an hour. The gears are fairly smooth the transition between second and third was a bit jumpy but it was an enjoyable ride.

The bike though is not fast and it was a bit concerting being overtaken by a Brompton.

The success of the scheme will rest in whether Londoners will take to having such a big brand such as Barclay’s signposting its way across the city. Vandalism will be a serious issue but for events such as the Notting Hill Carnival, London Fashion Week etc this scheme will be in a league of its own, ten out of ten, Boris.”

We took in the sites, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and of course the landmark that is Jerk City restaurant to get some cornmeal porridge before heading back towards Waterloo.

British World Heavyweight boxing champion has just added another title to his list of credentials.

Launched in WH Smith in Selfridges the ‘Haymaker’ by Daivd Haye is a sports magazine offering top-tips and industry advice from some of the finest boxers the world has ever seen.

The first edition of HAYEMAKER includes bumper interviews with Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand, England rugby fly-half Danny Cipriani, top British boxers Amir Khan, Carl Froch and George Groves, UFC superstar Georges St-Pierre, as well as Britain’s fastest ever athlete Linford Christie.

The summer issue also includes behind-the-scenes pictures and accounts of Haye’s boxing career to date, and is a must-have item for any fan of ‘The Hayemaker’, boxing or sport in general.

Speaking of the widespread release, Haye said: “I’m delighted to be able to get the bookazine out to the British public, as this is a project I’m extremely proud of and one I had a big hand in producing. We started out with the intention of making a magazine, but WHSmith felt the final product was far too in-depth and weighty for a magazine, so decided to stock it as a bookazine.

Although early indication suggest this book will be a ‘knock-out ‘ publishing is a very fickle industry and David’s on-going ring side success will impact heavily on the mag/book securing pole position.” Said Journalist, Andy Roberts.

Pics available from www.smartpictures.co.uk

All roads lead to Shepherds Bush, London for the first round heats of the Top Model Of Colour competition originated by Mahoganny Models a successful Internationally renowned Model Agency.

The fashionable crowd were entertained by three rounds of fierce competition to establish which of the eleven contestants would be going through  to the second round and for a chance to win the much coveted ‘Top Model Of Colour’ title and a years modelling contract.  In addition the winner will be featured on the cover of Black  Hair magazine and will also receive a years supply of beauty products.

Matthew from FLYER said: “Black women are reported to spend far more on hair care and fashions than their white counterparts yet they are still vastly underrepresented throughout the British fashion industry.”

Back stage the girls relaxed and practiced their walks and their lines.

Judges were set for a tough battle as the competition heated up. Three rounds which included, casual, swim and evening wear kept the Judges on their toes.

After the evening wear, was the elimination. Girls tried to relax before the results were made public.

The lucky  finalists who included: Gugulethu Mathe, Tisha monique martin, Adesayo lawal-solarin, Cherelle quartey-cofie, Kennisha walters, Annabelle la belle, Janita francis, Gracelle olanyi-robert
have been selected to go through to the second round of the regional heats.

The judges included: Maame Baryeh, Afua Adom, Mary Bello

The party continued as the girls headed home ready to battle again in August.

Steering the show to its grand finale was host:  Naa Kwarley Quartey (Blue) who rounded off a great nights entertainment.

Former Miss Caribbean and Commonwealth UK headed up a celebrity line-up.

Twelve contestants were introduced to the press for the launch of Britain’s Next Top Model. The ceremony launched in Covent Garden was packed with industry professionals who were only let down by the shoddy back-street location and dodgy looking security who were pre-occupied in stopping the press photographers from getting their hands on the goody bags.

Some contestants posed with Supermodel Elle Macpherson (The body) before being introduced to the audience.

Fashion Designer and entrepreneur Dionne Gooding said: “I love Elle Macpherson’s outfit. She looks great in those extra tight PVC trousers. Her legs look amazing. Not everyone can pull off wearing shiny tight trousers…….she sure can.”

Elle Macpherson towered above pint-sized designer Julian Macdonald. In an earlier interview Julian reportedly made disparaging remarks with regards plus sized models he said: “I’m seen as the Simon Cowell of the show, I’m frank and I’m honest.” said Julian in an interview with ASOS magazine.

So why did the press want the Goody Bags?

Apart for the obvious, goody bags can sometimes be an insight to the direction of the show. Rachel Christie (First Black Miss England) winners hamper did not contain any bi-racial products or hair products specific to people of heritage. This is usually an oversight but it can be extremely revealing with regards to sponsorship.

“Event organisers should begin to adjust to the changing demographic of Britain.” said Journalist Mark Weir.”

Although Britain’s Next Top Model goody bags didn’t contain any specific bi-racial products delegates would have been pleased to get their hands on the first UK samples of Beyonce’s new perfume ‘Heat’.

Models Alicia and Amber were popular contestants in the TV show.

After a long day the model’s headed home, some unfortunately forgot the etiquette of getting in and out of cars and there were many fashion faux pas.

The show’s stylist even forgot to rub the pink lipstick from her teeth.

When asked what advice she would give the new contestants Jasmia Robinson (who came 3^rd in the 2^nd Cycle of Britain next Top Model) said: “The girls should have fun with it all but remember to also stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize.  Listen, learn, forget your inhibitions and most importantly perfect your walk!”

Jamaican fugitive Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke is now in custody following a tip off to the Jamaican authorities.

Sources close to FLYER said: Dudus has been in hiding not far from West Kingston and was caught whilst travelling through the district of Spanish Town. Mr. Coke is the subject of an extradition request from the US.

It is alleged that various peoples including Rev. Miller is being sought for questioning regarding the fugitives disappearance and eventual capture.

Jamaica’s tourist ministers Jon Lynch and Edd Bartlett (pictured) have been in London trying to repair Jamaica’s tarnished overseas reputation. Ironically they sat through a screening of The Harder They Come in Wimbledon Theatre which is a story about an outlawed fugitive who became the people’s hero.

It was later alleged that Dudus Coke was described by some people in authority as the Jamaican equivalent of Bin Laden.

The police Curfew and State of Emergency has been extended across Jamaica as authorities prepare for reprisals following Dudus Coke’s capture.

Overseas Jamaica is under pressure financially following scores of cancellations of holidays and events. Reporters at Caribbean Fashion Week were unhappy with the lack of International media and buyers.

Some arrangements for one particular charity event planned across the Island this summer have also been put on hold.

A journalist said: “There’s no way of calculating the financial loss to the Island with regards to finance and trust. The botched attempt to arrest one person resulting in the deaths of over 100 people is quite understandably disastrous for Jamaica’s immediate outlook.

Many of the victims were reportedly innocent representatives of people living on the fringes of society. How can we possibly justify sending tourists to a destination with a regime that treats its own people like this.”

“Furthermore Jamaica is seeking to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Turning Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke over to the U.S. authorities is believed by many to be a prerequisite to achieving international funding.”

Plans are now in place for the UK roll out of the So In Style Black and dual heritage Barbie dolls by Mattel. Shipments of the four dolls dressed in Rocawear including male doll, Darren,  have already arrived in the UK much to the delight of six year old, Lois.

Lois, six, was the first UK child to receive her doll. Lois said: “I’ve waited a long time for my doll, It was on top of my ‘Dear Santa’ wish list but my daddy said I could only have one and the rest would go to my cousins.

I spoke to my cousins and they don’t want them so I’m going to keep them all.”

“I especially like the one with relaxed hair just like my mummy.” Said Lois.

Jacey from Mattel said: “We are just drawing up the final list of stockists and then they will be rolled out nation wide”

FLYER Newspaper has several dolls to give away, please see details in next months free FLYER Newspaper.

Have you ever wondered what’s it like to be a mega-star? U.S. mega-celeb P Diddy was swarmed by London’s paparazzi in Mayfair for his party in Whisky Mist.

In five seconds of absolute mayhem over 1,000 pictures were taken by over thirty photographers.

“It was absolute mayhem, camera’s were broken and some members of the public were caught in the crossfire.

Only five photographers got a decent frame, the rest had to try for exit pictures.” said Mark Weir from FLYER News.

Warning: FLYER on the wall TV contains flash photography.

Kelly Rowland’s pre dinner date at NOBO nearly ended in tragedy when a paparazzi narrowly escaped being hurt when he ran into the path of a motor-vehicle whilst snapping the U.S. superstar.

Kelly looked shocked but the photographer escaped without serious injury.

Wearing a metallic cat-suit, Kelly was heading towards NOBO in Mayfair before heading towards P-Diddy’s party in Whisky Mist.

P-Diddy arrives back at the Mayfair hotel and is clearly in the mood to party. PD strolled around the hotel as if he owned the place before taking a detour to Park Lane’s Whisky Mist.

That detour took over one hour to cover less than a mile and Diddy’s bouncers had to battle with forty paparazzi. P- Diddy greeted everyone in the VIP area.

Things weren’t looking good for Brian Lara (cricketer).

“I don’t care who he says he is….I’m not going to loose my job letting in Mr. Lara.” said a man on the door.

“You will definitely loose it if you don’t let him in.” said a reporter. The club’s questionable door policy did not go down well, FLYER has obtained video interviews to support this claim.

Next to arrive was Kelly Rowland

Kelly was surrounded by flash-bulbs, over 80 frames per second were taken by photographers. Kelly looked a little jaded by all the attention she’s received since launching her new single Commander.

Afro Hair and Beauty Live was held at the Business Design Centre Islington, London.  The two day show attracted over 5,000 people and early indications have suggested the show’s a resounding success.

Show organiser Mavis said to FLYER, “I’m really pleased with the feedback from the exhibitors.”

Throughout the two day event the public were treated to some fantastic shows such as Back to Basics Weave Styling, No Limits with Locs, Mary Kay’s Make-Up Master-class, Conscious Hair Care, We Girls Rock (Above), Skincare the Natural Way and much more.

There were many highlight of the show including Zed Eye fashion inspired shows.

for innovation and hair-care the Sensationnel awards are the equivalent of the Oscars in the Afro Hair and Beauty demography.

The categories included Sensationnel Icon Braid Impact, Sensationnel Icon Weave Genius and Sensationnel Icon Avant Garde.

The winners included Angela Plummer (left) from Sour 2 Sweet who won Sensationnel Icon Avant Garde.

There was literally somthing for everybody.

But for the 200 hundred people who turned up at Alexander Palace there is always next year.

On the eve of the final day of the annual Afro Hair and Beauty Live showcase, the controversial inclusion of a skin lightening product looked set to plunge the Afro Hair and Beauty Live into fresh controversy.

The inclusion of the skin lightening product which is on sale and heavily advertised within the exhibition has angered and shocked some viewers.

“This is the one exhibition that we turn to as a community to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our culture.” said a visitor at today’s show.  “I’m utterly shocked and angered that a product such as this has been given such a wide platform to hijack what is essentially a great show. What were the shows organisers thinking about!!” She exclaimed.

Another person said: “As a proud African woman, who’s very proud of her culture, I’m acutely aware of the damage that this sort of product can have on young impressionable minds. We are made very aware of the damage this kind of product can have on our community and there is absolutely no excuse to allow this exhibition to showcse such products.”

Afro Hair and Beauty show has moved to its new home in Islington. The new venue was overwhelmingly endorsed by the majority of the people who visited the shows new home this Sunday.