B A N D O F L A

Bandofla offers its thoughts on the latest Israel-Palestine issue and the War on Gaza. Our programme also tips our hat to people like Owen Jones and the UK Ambassador for Palestine Husam Zomlot.

There really isn't much more to say so have a listen and see what you think.

Remember love always wins over hate!

Don't forget to the spread the message of Bandofla and get any like-minded friends and family to subscribe on Twitter and YouTube..

Back by popular demand to assess how the Gunners have started this season are Aydan Nevzat and Ahmet Orhan. Aydan, born in a vintage Arsenal year - yes you guessed it, the Invincible year and Ahmet a veteran of 60 seasons following the Gunners both give their views on the Premiership start, Arteta tactics, injuries, new signings and much more.

Don't forget to Subscribe to Bandofla on Spotify and YouTube to get automatic notifications of new material.

VAMOS!

So how do you react when your Oncologist just breaks the news to you that you have Cancer? As if that is tough enough - but, what happens to you as a person when you have had this message broken to you a third time? This is the inspiring and uplifting Emi Kayserioglu who remains as upbeat as ever when talking about her cancer episodes, which includes having to go through a double-masectomy. You can hear this exclusive episode here on Spotify and the video is available to watch on YouTube.

For those who are inspired and want to send Emi messages of support she can be followed on Twitter @Eminations

The title of this episode is deliberately coded to make you wonder what Bandofla is up to this time...lol

Well, on this episode we delve into local politics and explore the fury raging in a local residents group in a leaft London suburb. It is never good when a local council gets into the bad books of a residents group and that is exactly what has happened here with even loyal Labour voters feeling disgruntled with their Labour-run council.

In other news we touch on the significance of Windrush Day and the 75 anniversary and World Refugee Day with two very contrasting stories hitting the news.

We round things up with a big plug to some wonderful charities and appeal to the generostiy of listeners, wherever you are in the world!

Well, we have been promising listeners an episode dedicated to the 'Arse' and the amazing season that the club has had this year. To help us chew the cud we have a veteran of 60 seasons going to watch the Arsenal in Ahmet Suleyman - contrast this with Aydan Nevzat who was born in 2004, just days after Patrick Vieira lifted the league crown after the club had made history by going the whole season unbeaten, and who matches Ahmet's passion with his wonderful enthusiasm and love for Arsenal Football Club.

Smash a like, subscribe to Bandofla on Spotify and YouTube.

Thanks

This episode takes a deep dive into Turkish politics and the recent elections that took place in Turkey. We explore issues ranging from Recep Tayyip Erdogan's legacy, his prospects in the second round run-off, his opponents, the economy, migration, international relations and more widely Turkey's standing in the international community. Helping us explore these subjects are journalists and political commentators with a diverse range of opinions. Please subscribe to Bandofla on YouTube and smash a like if you like what you see. Our thanks to Emine Kayserilioglu, Ertan Karpazli and Edward Rowe for joining Bandofla on Episode 60.

Smash a like & subscribe to get latest updates on new episodes.

Well, here in the UK we all got an extra bank holiday so don't knock it!

But in truth, when there are so many families genuinely struggling to put food on the table was it a good idea for £100M of tax payers money to be spent on this right royal p1ss-up? We also touch on the recent local elections and the absolute wonderful hammering that the Tories got.

Don't forget to subscribe to our Spotify & YouTube channels.

Amar Soofi lives in Watford, UK and his mission in life at the moment is simple. He is coping with a malignant brain tumour and he is keen to share his journey and open the eyes of the Muslim community to overcome the stigma of Cancer, which is still very prevalent in some Muslim communities.

The bottom line is more and more of us are touched by Cancer every day. Many fortuntely smash the illness out of the park and Soofi shows how important PMA is - PMA is Positive Mental Attitude. Half the battle is always in the mind.

There are some big plugs on this episode for special people and special groups.

#Macmillan

#OurForgottenNeighbours

#StreetKindUK

We have been trying to get an interview with Erkin Guney A.K.A Egg for a while. He runs the Ramadan Mosque in Shacklewell Lane and is a character larger than life itself. Don't take my word for it - listen to this podcast episode and see for yourself. I caught up with him in North Cyprus. Watch out for the appeal... Bandofla is determined to make this appeal a big success.

If you are a builder looking to replicate a DIY SOS mission please get in touch with us.

Bandofla debates the devastating impact of the recent earthquake in SE  Turkey and Northern Syria. We are joined by TDP President Mine Atli all  the way from Cyprus, Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece and District & local  councillor Suzanne Nuri-Nixon. All of them have their own powerful  connection with the tragic events of the recent earthquake.   

All shares and likes appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe to Bandofla on YouTube, Spotify & Twitter.

It can get hard reporting on positive news when we have a Government in place who are simply taking the piss with key-workers. People are starting to come together though and there are signs that people have had their fill of the Tories. More and more trade unions are saying Enough is Enough with their workers going on strike. But, despite this, we do have something really inspiring to report on in this episode and a chance for us to do some good - people get to a point in their lives when they want to give something back. Many are doing this already. Here is a chance to give something back and support a really good cause.

Many of you will have heard of the TV programme DIY SOS. Bandofla has been inspired by this show and we are doing our own DIY SOS campaign to help the historic mosque in Dalston, also known as the Ramadan Masjid (or Shacklewell Lane Mosque) to try and organise some much needed work to get disabled-friendly toilets put into the mosque. Listen to the show for more info. 

We will be touching on a massively successful World Cup in Qatar where Lionel Messi finally settled the 'Who is the current best footballer in the world?' question and we will also update listeners on the continuing shitfest that is this Tory Government.

There will be much more so tune in and see what Bandofla is talking about.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Spotify and YouTube and help us share the love.

Well, many people predicted it - personally I did not expect it to happen so soon, but we pathetic nature of her leadership caused many in her own political party to essentially dis-own her. Though to be fair, what she managed to fcuk up in just 45 was quite spectacular even by the standards of the Conservative Circus, which has been in town for many many weeks now.

I will us this episode to touch on a few other bits and pieces including our weekly plug for Texas Green Party candidate Felilah Barrios. So listen, share, smash a like and enjoy the episode.

Interesting fact of the episode - Arsenal remained undefeated throught the period of reign of the 65th and many would say worst ever British Prime Minister.

Followers will have noticed recently that we have been very supportive of the American Green Party and specifically their candidate running for Governor in the state of Texas. Bandofla caught up with Delilah Barrios and we bring you the comprehensive interview with her where she touches on many different policy areas outlining her thoughts and most importantly the humanist leadership qualities that she undoubtedly has.

Bandofla calls on the Texan electorate to share this podcast widely. There is also a version on our YouTube channel so if you prefer to watch it on your big screen TV you have that option too!

The voters will make up their own minds. We have no hesitation to recommend that the Texan people get behind this amazing candidate and don't forget her Green Party colleagues Alfred and Hunter! 

Well, she ruled the country for 7 decades and Bandofla finally shares its thoughts, mainly on the public reaction to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. 

We also have a new Prime Minister in place after Liz Truss truimphed in the Tory leadership race. So, one awful PM has replaced another...

Class war is also covered in this episode and we offer our solidarity to the many trade unions taking the fight the UK Government in trying to address the cost of living crisis on behalf of their trade union members.

Smash a like and follow us on Twitter @_Bandofla and YouTube

The cost of living crisis is biting harder now than ever before -  however through the gloom comes hope, through the ashes rises a genuine  hope that the ordinary working class person has a voice that will  ultimately be heard and listenend to in the corridors of power. That  voice is the new Enough is Enough campaign which has harnessed almost  half a million people to their campaign in little over a week. Founded  by CWU, RMT and the brilliant Zarah Sultana MP, it has captured the  imagination of so many people who finally say "Enough is Enough!"  In other news Rishi and Liz keep arguing who will make the best next  Prime Minister - Bandofla can settle that one easily. They will both be  ruddy awful!!  Enjoy the episode. All shares & likes totally appreciated.

Welcome to Episode 48..

Boris Johnson and the shocking Uvalde school shooting dominates this episide but there is so much more to share with listeners. We go into overdrive on 10 Downing St and will be sharing some wonderful material with you. From MPs such Mhairi Black to the brilliant Led by Donkeys campaign platform. We will also be reporting on the awful decision of the high court which will see an outsourcing of the UK's immigration process when it comes to asylum seekers.

Two things to leave you with - are you supporting the New Deal for Workers rally on Saturday 18th June in central London? Join me there on the day...

And finally, Bandofla is proud of our 'No Adverts' position. We bring you uninterrupted podcasts from start to finish. We have recently updated some of our equipment and we hope you notice the improved sound! If you would like to make a financial gift donation towards our new equipment we are receiving gift payments via PayPal using podcastbandofla@gmail.com

Episode 47 is now out! 

We highlight the big TUC campaign 'A New Deal for Workers' and urge everyone join the rally on Saturday 18th June in central London.

We touch on the Governor elections in America and take a closer look at Texas where Dellilah Barrios is hoping to upset the odds to become the Texas Governor. 

The show closes with a a tribute paid to the Al Jazeera American-Palestinian journalist killed by Isreali Defence force soldiers in Jenin earlier in the week and the subsequent distressing scenes at her funeral where pallbearers were beaten by Isreali Police - quite incredible scenes!

There is also a brief reference to the #NLD (very brief!).

I guess the events of today, where the British Prime Minister was confirmed by the Metropolitan Police to have broken the (lockdown) law, has to dominate our Episode 47 headline!

The British public will not forget - he who makes the law has broken his own laws, while families up and down the country were forbidden from visiting sick and dying relatives in hospitals. We will not forget.

Boris Johnson has always been good at burying bad news and there is normally a big distraction to help this happen. When a Prime Minister breaks the law I guess it needs to be a pretty big one - cue Priti Patel and a quick trip to Rwanda to announce 'AN OFFSHORE DETENSION CENTRE' .. Yup, as distraction politics goes I reckon Boris Johnson has trumped everything he has done before

There is lots more here packed into this episode so have a listen, like, share etc. All the online love is greatly appreciated!

Episode 46 needs little introduction. Ukraine still rumbles on, great news on Nazanin finally being released, despite the best efforts of the Tory's, the scandal of child Q and we will also continue our focus on the cost of living crisis as we look at how on earth people are going to be able to pay their fuel bills.

All this and much more...

The recent news has been dominated by the shocking events unfolding in Ukraine where Russia, under Vladimir Putin's orders has invaded Ukraine. A humanitarian crisis is unfolding before our eyes. Large parts of the world are offering huge support for Ukranian's fleeing the war. Bandofla is keen to highlight the plight of ALL refugees and we condemn the double standards we are seeing in terms of refugee support and inconsistencies by organisations like UEFA.

On the political front we take a close look at poverty is affecting so many families - and poverty campaigner Jack Monroe uncovers how unfair supermarket pricing is when it comes to the cheaper items that so many families rely on.

As ever we welcome all feedback - follow us on Twitter @_Bandofla or email me at podcastbandofla@gmail.com

Peace & Love..

Our key topics for this episode remember Holocaust Memorial Day and we also shine a light on just how bad Misogyny is as we get the latest on the shocking murder of Paulina Dembska in Malta. We ask are attitudes to women getting worse?

We also touch on the recent elections in North Cyprus with some excellent commentary by Bandofla friends Dr Erol Kaymak and Baroness Meral Hussein-Ece. Away from politics we take alook at the disparaging attitudes that exist in senior football circles towards towards the African Nations Cup.

Don't forget - Abazoornek Bul-kafes!

On a serious note to our listeners please keep safe. 

Peace & Love from Bandofla

United Kingdom Member of Parliament for Brent Central Dawn Butler hit the nail on the head when she called out the Prime Minister Boris Johnson for being a liar. The claim is with strong merit and despite this she was ordered out of the House of Commons by the Speaker of the House. Since this particular episode the Prime Minister has continued to offer a steady line of untruths and political commentators like Peter Stefanovic are doing brilliant work to highlight this. In fact I would strongly recommend the following people and media outlets are followed as for me they are the most credible and are not afraid to challenge the establishment: Peter Stevanovic (Twitter), Byline Times, Novara Media, Double Down News and finally our socialist favourite the Morning Star.

This episode will continue to shine a light on the Tories and the fact that despite scandal after scandal Boris still makes teflon look very sticky. We will cast our eye in the international arena to see what is happening over in America and one or two other stories making the news. As we go to publish yet another garden party scandal has hit the headlines... it time finally up for the liar?

Adios for now lovely listeners.

Growing up it would have been easy to associate being an MP with being a person of utmost decency and integrity. It went with the territory. The first Member of Parliament that I remember was my local MP in Tottenham, North London, the late Bernie Grant who was simply a brilliant representative for his constituents and the many different communities that live here.

Fast-forward 40 years and after almost 12 years of Conservative rule politics has never had a more currupt stench in the nostrils of the working class. Who would have believed that 150,000 deaths, many linked to poor Government decisions, would be so acceptable to parts of society - who would have thought that lying consistently would not attract any condemnatation from our so-called top home affairs journalists?

I mentioned proportional representation in my last episode and I used to be scared of it because people would argue that extreme elements could get into Westminister. To be frank, after seeing this sh1tshow for 12 years I can't see what the difference is and at least there would be much more chance of getting a coalition majority and Boris and the Tories out of power.

This episode is going to be the launch of our latest serious and we will also celebrate our 1st birthday.

In other news Bandofla was really proud to sponsor our friends at Show Racism the Red Card and our logo is proudly featured in their latest 2022 calendar.

Probably the most powerful interview we have recorded to date. 

Islamophobia is real and many Muslims face the guantlet of hate every day simply because of the way they look and because of their faith. In this episode I am joined by a former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg who is now the Outreach Director for CAGE UK. Moazzam provides an excellent insight into some of the deeper issues behind Islamophobia.

Feel free to share this episode as we want to share the love and break down the often fake and hostile narrative perpetuated by many parts of our media and the politicians. 

Listeners will know we don't pull our punches on this podcast when it comes to some of the awful behaviour associated with this Tory Government. Not a day goes by without us shaking our heads thinking how the hell did this Government, not only get into power, but almost 12 years on the cronyismm, corruption and outright lies leaves a stink in their shadow that an 80-seat Parliamentary advantage encourages flippant arrogance not seen before (at least I haven't, have you?).

This podcast is going to be dedicated to some heroes and sheroes. I am going to touch on the amazing work of Care4Calais who many of you will know about and also the RNLI and a guy who has just retired after volunteering for 26 years. Clare Moseley and Tony Parsons will be the focus of our podcast this week, which will purposefully lead to highlighting the plight of refugees and the need for us to get behind them and let them know that we support the matra "Refugees are Welcome Here". 

Bandofla is embracing poetry this week and looking back at World Poetry Day as we speak to one of the Poetry Society's newest members, a young poet from Tottenham, North London, Ela Altinbas.

Bandofla gets an exclusive airing of her 'Stop Killing the Mandem' poem which is followed up with some lovely conversation and some awesome freestyle by Ela.

We round up on some current affairs both here and abroad. Remember to follow us on Twitter @_Bandofla ... you can drop the show a voice message via our Anchor page and use the 60-second option to say absolutely anything you like (within reason!).

Speaking with Ela Altinbas has been hugely uplifting and it makes me think again of the issue around how young a person should be to have the right to vote. Ela is a year 9 student - her wisdom and social conscience is, in my humble opinion outstanding. 

#Poetry #PoetrySociety #Mandem #Slang #Bandofla #AfricanTurks #Cyprus

We know black history is important every day - but for those who wish to control us, 'Black History Month' happens every October and last year I had the privilege of speaking to race equality activist Taranjit Chana. This year I was delighted to invite Tyehimba Nosakhere, another prominent race equality activist, to give a 'truth-speaker' masterclass around black history.

We must never underestimate how the collective failure to bring proper history - not misstory as Tye calls it, detrimentally impacts all children growing up. For black children it is a denial of the truth and an opportunity to stand proud in classrooms. The collective failure to look through the lens of truth on history also undoubtedly fuels the inequality that exists in society today.

Bandofla also offers a roundup of a few other political bits & pieces as our Tory Government goes into overdrive to crush vulnerable people already on their knees, by cutting £1,000 in Universal Credit benefit a year from the poorest. 

I hope you enjoy the episode. Follow Bandofla on Twitter or use Anchor to send us a voice message if you want to air an opinion (you have 60 second facility to have your say!). Spread the Bandofla word - spread our love & thank you for listening.

#Blackhistory #GMB #RaceEquality #Colonialism #Slavery #Grenfell #Torylies

Bandofla caught up with Ahmet Suleyman - a proud Black Cab Driver of 27 years based in central London. 

Our Black Cab Drivers are part of the London fabric; just like a London Bus or a red telephone box, you will see one every day.

Ahmet shares some of his favourite memories and gives his thoughts generally on life as a cabbie.

He is also an incredibly loyal Arsenal fan who has been going to games for 57 years - racked up to about 1800 matches. Naturally, we touch on some lovely Arsenal stories - his lovely father uncle Orhan recently passed away and this episode is in large part dedicated to his father who lived in Ergazi, North Cyprus. 

We also mop up on some politic's and the continuing lies of this Government and the fact that we can't get any petrol and energy prices are rocketing - oh yeah, and to top it off the poorest are having £20 a week cut from their benefits. 

#BlackCab #Taxi #London #Tourism #Arsenal

Quite possibly the most random selection of subjects ever discussed on a Bandofla episode, but that is how we roll.

Well, BREXIT needs to be discussed because only now people are beginning to see just how f*cked our economy and distribution infrastructure is. We will also highlight some more really didgy interviews by Government Ministers (but nothing new there).

A special mention is given to two awesome charities: Show Racism the Red Card and Communication Workers Union Humaniterean Aid. We get a personal message from the honorary Show Racism Red Card President Shaka Hislop and we also hear from Lenny Crook on his epic 21-mile hike for CWUHA.

Then we move across the Atlantic to report on the awful Heartbeat Bill, which will see almost all abortions banned in the state of Texas. Surely it is a woman's choice to make right?

We will be throwing a bit of football into the mix as we report on the news that after three games Spurs have a maximum 100% record and are yet to concede a goal and their north London rivals are also 100% after three games and yet to score in 270 minutes of football. Spurs sit proudly at the top of the league and Arsenal are showing their strength by holding up everyone at the foot of the league! Don't worry Arsenal fans it is still early days!

#HeartbeatBill #Texas #Cyprus #Larnaca #PCR #Arsenal #ShowRacismtheRedCard #WRD21 #CWUHA #CWU #DominicRaab #ShakaHislop

When the White House race was hotting up last year this podcast openly declared our support for Joe Biden - after all, after the catastrophic Trump era, much of the world was keen to see the back of the 45th POTUS. Biden has faced a few challenges in his first 9 months none more so than what is going in Afghanistan and his announcement to withdraw his American troops. On the face of it a de-escalation of conflict would be regarded as a positive thing - however, along with the British Government, it looks to be a catastrophic decision as the security infrastructure has been left to collapse like a pack of cards and a country three times the size of the UK was re-captured by the Taliban in a matter of days.

The scenes we have since seen at the Kabul airport will remain with people for a long time to come and Bandofla shares the anger of the American, British and wider international community in condemning what many are calling an ill-prepared retreat - trillions of pounds have been plundered benefitting arms traders while the legacy of the Afghanistan occupation will be yet another tale of terror and destruction and failed occupation.

Imagine now, if your son or daughter served in Afghanistan, and died, or had their limbs blown off by an IED. What have the coalition achieved? Those families will all be asking these same questions. As one famous singer historically sang; War, what it good for? Absolutely nothing!

We will also be touching on the refugee crisis that is already unfolding.

On the domestic front we continue to give support to industrial disputes and we hope to be speaking with friends from Barnet Unison who are in dispute with a local authority concerning a care home with almost 100 UNISON members at risk of losing their jobs. So lots to listen to... tune in, share widely and enjoy the show.

This episode has contrasting themes.

We will be touching on the shame that faces the Royal Family - comparing the media reaction to how Harry and Meghan seem to be constantly vilified and yet the BBC were a full 24 hours later than the rest of the world in bringing the headline on Prince Andrew to the British public.

We also speak to another seasoned trade unionist - this time it is Vic Paulino who is one of UNITE's Community Organisers. A concept that has enabled UNITE the Union to engage huge numbers of workers and non-workers in big community campaigns. We will also get the latest on the Bexley Council dispute which is running into its 4th week. Vic was also in Belfast recently to watch #ChelseaFC lift the Super Cup and shares his thoughts on the new season; talking of the #PremierLeague by the time you read this and Manchester City fans will be wondering if they have enough to defend their success of last year. Send us your messages and let us know what you think will happen this year. Messages can be sent via the Anchor platform and you have 60 seconds to say whatever you want (within reason!).

#PrinceAndrew #RoyalFamily #Racism #AntiRacism #Chelsea #UnitetheUnion #Union #Equality

We are back for a third series after a well deserved break (if we do say so ourselves!).

Our third series sees us continue where we left off with us covering a growing dispute involving UNITE workers with Bexley Council and we also cover the embarassing legal defeat for the UK Government on the BSL interpreter case at the High Court. 

We have comrades from both Unite and the CWU giving us the low down on these issues and thrown in for good measure is some classic Bandofla rants highlighting the consistent failures of this awful Government (well someone has to hold them to account right?)

Enjoy the show. Send in any questions or comments to podcastbandofla@gmail.com and also join our global socialist family on Twitter @_Bandofla 

As a society I always feel that we don't do enough to acknowledge and say thank you to people who have been selfless in their work and beyond. Contrary to what some people might think it is actually free to be nice to be people or to simply say thank you; This is what this episode is purely about - showing some humanity and respect to someone many people in the GMB trade union know very well, especially the London Region.

To our usual listeners I accept we have gone massivley off script but everyone needs a feel good story and you won't get many better than this so stick around for the ride! 

So, 'It's all about Sue' is about a woman called Sue Hackett who devoted 42 years of her working life to the trade union movement and in the last decade or so she has made the GMB a force to be reckoned with on the equality front. This episode is all about saying thank you.

Enjoy the feeeeeeel gooooood feeling listening to this!

Peray Ahmet has very recently been elected as the leader of Labour-run Haringey council. Of Cypriot heritage, Peray is the second Turkish Cypriot woman to be elected as a council leader in North London, following hot on the heels of Nesil Caliskan (Enfield), who listeners will remember from the first series.

Peray gives Bandofla listeners her thoughts and views on a number of issues and she presents a real breath of fresh air in terms of what she is about and how she intends to work with the people of Haringey. 

Keep safe lovely listeners and don't forget to follow us on  Twitter @_Bandofla or you can email the show at podcastbandofla@gmail.com

Adios.

#Labour #Haringey #PerayAhmet #TurkishCypriot #council #Merton #UNISON

Understanding the sheer scale of how big American Football is can be fairly complex and in this episode we are going to look at one of the important layers of this structure, which is high school football - we will be speaking with an assistant coach who is part of the Mission Viejo set-up, Tarquin Stephenson, all the way in Laguna Beach, California. T, as he is known by his family and friends, touches on why he chose Mission and why the the High School scene is so important.

Bandofla is covering some serious miles in this episode as as from Laguna Beach we have a double-guest slot for our discussion on Pride as we connect with Dr Elly Barnes MBE who is in Gran Canaria and a certain Deniz Huseyin in Cyprus. Pride is so important to the LGBT+ community and their allies and here at Bandofla we love flying the rainbow flag.

We are also going to be having 'POD' shout moment where we give a mention to other podcasts that listeners should definitely check out. On our list this week is Soul Boost, which takes a holistic look at wellbeing - Union Dues, which is one of the most respected podcasts covering trade union issues and one podscast I totally love is Andrew and James' Arseblog Arsecast - so a little mention for these guys n girls.

We close the episode with what we hope listeners will agree is a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives and homes in the Grenfell Tower fire. Four year on and still there is no justice. The Housing Minister even has the front to wear a green heart on his lapel. The barefaced cheek of this lot is just unreal.

#NFL #AmericanHighSchool #Pride #MissionDiejo #nonbinary #Trans #Equality #BritishGas #TUC #unfairdismissal #EducateandCelebrate #DrEllyBarnesMBE

A mad 11 day spell saw the deaths of 100s of Palestinians, which included 66 children, all sparked by the storming of the Al Aqsa mosque on the 7 May 2021 in Jerusalem by Israeli police after reports of stones being thrown - the Israeli police threw stun grenades into the third most holiest Muslim site in the world and it did not need a genius to predict what was going to follow; in the meantime...Netanyahu has a corruption case hanging over his head and has also failed to form a Government. 

Israel has also suffered losses with 12 deaths; including two children. A death is a death though listeners will draw their own conclusions on a death toll comparison of 248 to 12.

This episode is dedicated to offering solidarity to our Palestinian brothers and sisters. 

In stark contrast to this story we are also bringing you the opportunity to bring a slice of humanity to this world. We will be highlighting the plight of Dan Gymer - an 8 year old with level 5 Celebral Palsy and his family need him to have an operation which is not available free on the NHS. Let's give this fella a chance.

#Palestine #Gaza #WestBank #HusamZomlot #Israel #WarCrimes #HumanRightsWatch #CelebralPalsy #GoFundMe #HusamZomlot #Israel

So, 100 days into the Biden Presidency and there are favourable reports coming out across America with its people largely supportive of progress developing under the Biden Presidency. We will be speaking to a Democrat Organiser to get his view on the first 100 days.

We then go deep in the Eastern Mediterranean and over to Cyprus to speak with Municipality Leader Cemil Saricizmeli who gives a frank assessment on what happened in Geneva this week and also touches on how he got involved with politics.

In other news British Gas has sacked 100s of its gas engineers because they did not yield to bullying behaviour from their executives to sign fire and re-hire contracts on lesser terms and conditions in what will go down as a shameful episode in the history of this once great firm. Solidarity to all these workers #StoptheBritishGasFire

#POTUS #JoeBiden #Cyprus #ErsinTatar #NicosAnasdadiades #DominicRaab

Wow, every headline and news programme is covering the Harry & Meghan interview with Oprah Winfrey. The gammonarti are truly pissed with Harry and feel that he has let the Royal Family down. But the truth is that any outsider coming into the Royal Family was going to get a tough time - add a bit of colour into the equation and what we are seeing was about as likely as Manchester City winning the Premier League this year. Look at how Fergie was treated - look at how Harry's mum Princess Diana was treated and now look at the awful way Meghan Markle is being treated. I'm no fan of the Royal Family - infact I couldn't care less if we had one or not. But, what I do feel passionately about it the utter hatred that is being levied towards the Harry & Meghan knowing that race and misogyny is at the heart of it. What staggers me even more is that the media are silent on the outrageous accusations of the Queen's golden boy Prince Andrew and yet are obsessed with Meghan. It really is unacceptable. Moving on, I will also be talking about Matt Wankcock (love that Jonathan Pie expression) and the announcement to give our brilliant nurses a wacking great pay rise of 1% (utterly contemptious of the Chancellor and completely disrespectful towards the nurses). Bandofla won't be holding back in this politico special so if you are easily offended you may need to search for another podcast. 

We also have a little something different - let's say it's a family affair!

 #RoyalFamily #HarryandMeghan #Racism #BuckinghamPalace #Georgia #Korean #Anime

Esra Uyrun was a loving, caring mother, sister, daughter and wife. On the 23rd February 2011, it is reported that she went out early that morning to go to the shops. She hasn't been seen since. Ten years has now passed and the campaign for answers continues.

Her family has been searching for answers ever since with her sister Berna Fidan showing incredible strength never giving up, despite it clearly getting more and more painful as years go by.

In this episode we speak with Esra's sister Berna - Bandofla has been aware of this case for a number of years and we believe someone somewhere knows something. All the signs are that there is no way Esra would have taken her own life so it looks as though there is some foul play here, but the Gardai have not been able to make a single breakthrough in 10 years - there are still many questions unanswered.

Unless you have had a loved one suddenly disappear and then have no answers, no trace, no nothing, we can never begin to understand the pain that Berna's family is going through. 

#Gardai #EsraUyrun #Ireland #MissingPerson

We know how devastating the Covid19 pandemic has been on so many families right? Just ask the families of 120,000 who have lost a loved one.

People working as faith practitioners have been playing an incredibly important role being that shoulder to cry on and offering comfort in what undoubtedly has to be the most difficult time a person can experience. In the Turkish Cypriot community we are lucky to have hoca (promounced hoja) Husayn Hashim. Husayn is without doubt one of the most liberal and modern Imam's you can ever meet and many in our community are quoted as saying that the only reason they have an interest in faith is because of his appraoch and style of communication.

The second part of the show will focus on the Indian Farmers Dispute. This is by far the largest industrial dispute in modern times - back at the end of November 2020, a staggeing 250 million farmers congregated on the rural borders of Delhi to begin one of the most bitter struggles in Indian workers history. The agriculture sector is on a knife edge and we speak with Amarjite Singh who is a trade union activist from South East Wales who has been followoing the disppute closely

We know how devastating the Covid19 pandemic has been on so many families right? Just ask the families of 120,000 who have lost a loved one.

People working as faith practitioners have been playing an incredibly important role being that shoulder to cry on and offering comfort in what undoubtedly has to be the most difficult time a person can experience. In the Turkish Cypriot community we are lucky to have hoca (promounced hoja) Husayn Hashim. Husayn is without doubt one of the most liberal and modern Imam's you can ever meet and many in our community are quoted as saying that the only reason they have an interest in faith is because of his appraoch and style of communication. 

The second part of the show will focus on the Indian Farmers Dispute. This is by far the largest industrial dispute in modern times - back at the end of November 2020, a staggeing 250 million farmers congregated on the rural borders of Delhi to begin one of the most bitter struggles in Indian workers history. The agriculture sector is on a knife edge and we speak with Amarjite Singh who is a trade union activist from South East Wales who has been followoing the disppute closely 

We have finally reached the end of the premier season of Bandofla podcast as we tick the episode 10 box. What a journey it has been for all of us. My regular listeners will know I am a socialist and a proud one at that. So,speaking with a fellow socialista is always something to look forward to - if you ask anyone in the know about contemporary black activism in trade unions and asked who do you think is one of the leading players the name you will invariably hear is Roger McKenzie. Roger is an Assistant General Secretary with UNISON - a trade union with over 1.3 million members.  Roger recently stood in the UNISON General Secretary election which was won by his colleague Christina McAnea. This interview is Roger's first opportunity to bear his soul on many of the things that are relevant today. We will be talking the election, UNISON priorities, the black vote, the far-right and much more. Not forgetting his love for the Villa, where we talk about Dean Smith's transformation in fortunes and why in Roger's opinion the improvements are not a surprise. Enjoy the show - like and share and feel the love. BANDOFLA

#equality #racism #Unison #Villa #AVFC #Biden #blackvote #Covid19

Bandofla recently caught up with the GMB's National President Barbara Plant. 

I have to say Barbara is one of the nicest people I have had the privilege of interviewing on Bandofla and she gives an insight into a few areas of interest, including the national dispute involving British Gas and the brave efforts of striking GMB members employed as Gas Engineers.

In this episode we are also putting a call out to striking engineers to contact the show via anchor and leave us a message on how the strike is affecting you - you have a 60 second window!

Enjoy the show

The first season has come to an end and at Bandofla we thought we couldn't let the oppoprtunity go by without reviewing some of those topics that have been making the news since we launched in November 2020.

Ten episodes later we are at the point of season 2 but before we do this I have the first Honorary Bandoflian's Suzanne Nuri-Nixon & her daughter Janan Nuri sharing their wisdom on a fairly wide range of subjects from Covid19 to America to Cyprus!! 

Whether you are walking to work or simply chilling at home in lockdown, we hope you enjoy this bonus episode and my thanks again to the Two Nuri's!

Bandofla

January 6th saw Capitol Hill stormed by thugs loyal to President Donald Trump. It will now go down in history as one of the darkest days in American political history. Sadly 5 people lost their lives as a result of what some in the media referred to as a coup. The dead included one police officer. Many people are saying this is when America's 45th President, Donald Trump's House of Cards came crashing down.

Bandofla is back across the pond for a special episode dedicated to reporting on the shocking events that saw the home of American democracy reduced to a riot scene - we will also be touching on the Democrat success in Georgia where Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock are now Senator-elect. Our congratulations ot them both. Discussing these subjects with me is Robbie Scott who is a UK Trade Unionist and Labour Party activist, who was a part of the Democrat's Organising Academy helping to seal Joe Biden's success last November. Robbie gives his view on the events of the last few days.

If you have any questions please use the message facility on the anchor page for Bandofla. Or alternatively you can email us at podcastbandofla@gmail.com

Peace, Love and Solidarity.