Once we were strapped in and ready to go, any anxieties we previously had vanished and instead the experience became so much more enjoyable. Warming up, we all raced across the courts and, without mercy, began ramming our chairs into each other too! It was all in good faith though! At one point, I even got revenge on Mr Coventry by grabbing the back of his chair and, with the help of a few others, dragging him across the court! It's safe to say just through the warm ups, we were possibly enjoying it a little too much!

As the game began, we were separated into teams consisting of some Mr England finalists, some Miss England finalists and some professional players. We all had a fantastic time and I think some finalists have even found their new favourite sport! Miss Forest and Fens was a natural on the court and even gave some of the pro players a run for their money! All in all, it was a brilliant day and a real privilege to be a part! It was also amazing to have the pleasure of meeting Callum Mayes whom has just completed his charity walk from Leicester to Blackpool as part of his campaign for the wheelchair awareness challenge. He is truly an incredible person and a true inspiration to those around him. We further took a group photo to be used on social media to support the campaign Oddballs in order to raise awareness of testicular cancer - something that I feel truly does need more recognition. I was grateful to have the opportunity to attempt to do something to aid this cause.
 
Wheelchair rugby as a whole is a completely new experience to me but one that I may have to be more involved in in the future! Despite a few burnt fingers and a few bruises, I had a really fun time playing and I would love to do it again.
 
All the best,
Mr Birmingham 

I am incredibly disappointed and in awe in regards to a recent article published in the Telegraph by reporter Rowan Pelling belittling the achievements of beauty pageants in the modern era. What was most noticeable was the statement, 'But feminism, career women and a female prime minister all conspired to kill off Miss World'. As a male contender and a feminist, I find this quote in itself laughable. For years now, the competition has removed the bikini round in favour of an Eco-round - a round whereby contestants make a garment out of recycled materials thus removing a key component in the fight against the sexualisation of women. However, this was not mentioned. Feminism leads to the empowerment and equality of women in the social, political and cultural world. Female and male ambassadors alike enter competitions such as Miss and Mr England as a platform to be able to do a plethora of things. By using feminism as a justification for incorrectly informing readers of the pageant but later belittling women as a whole saying, 'Of course, marrying advantageously was part and parcel of the Miss World rags-to-riches mythology' raises several questions. The biggest being, how can one create an article out of ignorance and back up their statements with a false pretence of feminism when one later degrades the achievements of commendable women? It makes no sense. In the modern era of pageantry, role models such as Miss England Carina Tyrell and Miss World Rolene Strauss have fought tirelessly to raise vital funds for humanitarian projects world wide as well as being the epitome of what an ambassador should be. Yes, they are two beautiful ladies but surely they're achievements and work ethic goes beyond their beauty as, of course, women are not merely objects of gratification and aesthetics. The key components of the Miss England and Miss World pageant is one of charity, of humility and of change, traits that the 10,000 entrants this year alone have tried to accommodate. I feel to misinform readers in such a way is both derogatory and truly unfair. In a time where we should celebrate each other's achievements and come together to promote change, slanderous comments with little research behind said comments is simply a form of tearing us apart and making a mockery of men, women and, like myself, teens who are working tirelessly to break stereotypes and promote unity and compassion. Of course you can overlook the millions of pounds raised by the Miss World charity Beauty With a Purpose but you can never crush our dedication and spirit. 

Kind regards,
Joshua Williams

Mr Birmingham 2015/16 and Mr England Finalist 

Hey guys!Long time no speak! I have literally had the most exciting and busiest past two months of my life! 

Previously this month I was given the fantastic opportunity to appear on a charity special of The Cube in aid of Edwards Trust. I was joined by seven other Miss and Mr England competitors and we all had a fabulous time..topped off by winning my individual event!! 

Also this month, I was offered the once in a lifetime opportunity to host the Midlands Forces ball on the 29th August! I am so excited to attend, and help raise awareness of such extraordinary people. 

Somehow I have managed to work myself around these events a new Career as Cabin Crew for British Airways at London Gatwick. Having been awarded my Wings on the 25th June, I have now began flying. So far I have had the privilege of visiting and discovering the fascinating cultures of countries such as Barbados, the Caribbean Islands, Malta, Catania, Florida and so many more! It really has been incredible, and I truly do feel honoured to work for such a prestigious company. 

Last week my trip was to Orlando, Florida. We arrived quite late in the evening following a two hour delay, and I must say, that ten hour flight really did almost kill me! However, during my trip, I visited Seaworld, the home to the world-famous Orca, Shamu. Now this is quite ironic really, because I have always been against Seaworld. I have never agreed with the idea of wild animals being kept in captivity, however I decided to take the opportunity whilst I was in Orlando to take a visit and see if it really was as bad as I had imagined.. I was pleasantly surprised. 
Walking through the entrance I was greeted by flamboyant pink flamingoes whom had the walk of 50% of the park. They were spectacular. I also payed to experience a dolphin training course. I arrived at the most beautiful and rather large dolphin pool to find 6 dolphins happily swimming around together. My course started off by me meeting the Dolphins individually, and then learning all of the tricks as to how they perform. I left the enclosure with a kiss from one of the dolphins which really did make my day!
Through feeding stingrays and great whites in the 50 degree heat, my day finally drew to an end at the Shamu stadium. I was weary to enter due to stereotypes I had fixed in my head. I was, however, pleasantly surprised at the size of the Orca pools. They weren't crammed or confined like I had imagined for so many years. The show began with three whales storming through the waves and performing a double flip in front of the audience. It was fascinating to watch, especially as they truly did appear happy. 

You can read my full review of the concert right here at http://iambirmingham.co.uk/2015/06/11/review-ariana-grande-barclaycard-arena-birmingham/
 
I'm so pleased that my article was well received and I am now part of the team! It's really exciting to be able to work as a journalist alongside such a fantastic team. You never know, I may be coming to a gig near you!