Body in river was missing man Colin
BRIGHT FUTURE FOR REFUGEES
IT could be one of the most unlikely interviews in the history of the media.
Academy award-winning movie star Cate Blanchett has quizzed Huddersfield’s own award-winning cheesemaker Razan Alsous.
The inspirational Syrian refugee arrived in Huddersfield seven years ago and has flourished, setting up the Yorkshire Dama Cheese Company.
The firm, which began in Linthwaite but is now based in Sowerby Bridge, has won multiple awards and is now employing nine people.
Blanchett, star of Elizabeth, Blue Jasmine and Aviator, interviewed Razan as part of her role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations’ Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The Australian A-lister met Razan to talk about her life-changing experience, fleeing war-torn Syria and starting from scratch in West Yorkshire.
Ms Blanchett said: “At the start of the Global Refugee Forum today, we stand at a pivotal moment in history.
“UNHCR is urgently calling for increased commitment and support that will help every refugee – and the communities they are living in – to not just survive, but to thrive.
“Communities themselves stand to benefit by providing opportunities for refugees. Whilst we look to global leaders meeting in Geneva this week to renew and remake commitments, everyone has a role to play in supporting refugees; to access education, employment and safe living conditions.
“Everyone counts, every voice, every action – however small – can make a difference. We all have a positive part to play. Let’s seize this opportunity.”
Razan, who hails from Damascus, said: “We came to the UK after the war in Syria in 2012 with my husband and young children.
“We had lost almost everything and had to settle into a new life in Yorkshire.
“Initially I began searching for a job but despite having a pharmacy degree and a scientific background my lack of references and work history in the UK made it extremely difficult. After some time I started to look at other options.
“I have three children and wanted so badly to build a bright future for them so I started to think what was around me – the expertise I could tap into, the sources of support and other opportunities available to me.
“As I couldn’t find a great tasting quality squeaky cheese anywhere in the supermarkets or local independent farm shops I then had a brainwave: why not create a business and make myself Syrian cheese from fresh highquality British milk.
“And so started our journey with an idea and a start-up loan of just £2,500 from the local Enterprise Agency.
“We had to adapt the equipment we bought and then finally got the approval to start manufacturing cheese in June 2014. After just four months of production, we won the World Cheese Award Bronze Prize 2014/15.”
The UN’s social campaign, which went live as the Global Refugee Forum (GRF), is backed by a number of celebrities and high profile human rights campaigners including Ben Stiller, David Morrissey, Riz Ahmed, Amanda Palmer and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The campaign rallies support behind the core message that “everyone has a role to play” in helping refugees and highlights how we can all help to counter xenophobia, intolerance and fear and empower refugees to rebuild their futures.
POLICE have confirmed that a body found in the River Calder is that of missing Dewsbury pensioner Colin Vasey.
Police divers searching the river discovered the body near to a building yard at Horbury Bridge on Tuesday afternoon.
A police spokesman said: “Formal identification has now taken place and it is confirmed to be Colin Vasey.
“West Yorkshire Police would like to thank all those who helped in the search for Mr Vasey.”
Dewsbury councillor Aleks Lukic praised West Yorkshire Police and the community for all their efforts in searching for Mr Vasey.
He said: “It is important that we all respect the family’s privacy. I am certain that our community’s most profound sympathies go to them and they will be at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers this Christmas.
“The support and assistance offered by the local community and from across Yorkshire has been nothing short of incredible.
“I would like to thank West Yorkshire Police and all the individuals and groups who organised and amplified the search efforts.”