Blog

START - London's first ever free ECO-CAR Spectacular

Posted 1st September 2010 16:42pm

On Sunday 12 September 2010, The Mall will become the most unlikely venue for London’s first ever free Eco-Car Spectacular. From the TELSA roadster, the first serious Electric Racing Car the Citroen Survolt to the runabout electric cars by THINK, Mitsubishi, Smart, and Mini E, plus serious Electric motorbikes and groovy scooters, there will be something for every petrol-head with a conscience... all on show and in action at this iconic London location.

The Eco-Car spectacular will also witness the Round the World Tag Heuer electric Tesla complete its journey as it reaches the Mall with a famous celebrity at the wheel.

The Eco-Car Spectacular takes place during The Prince of Wales’s ‘A Garden Party to Make A Difference’, which will include a selection of eco-cars during the 12 day festival from 8th to 19th September. The Mall will host this free event as an addition to the eco-festival and will bring to life what these vehicles can achieve for everyone to see.

The eco-car spectacular is the result of the passion and organisation of Mulberry founder Roger Saul and the Electric Race Cup Team, who have bought together an eclectic mix of personalities and car fanatics to parade the vehicles down the Mall - ranging from Formula One driver Sir Stirling Moss to Deborah Meaden of Dragon’s Den fame.

Recent trials of eco-cars conducted by Roger Saul and Grand Designs Kevin McCloud discovered that the THINK electric battery powered car can travel from Brighton to London for just £1.19, whilst the Tesla supercar can achieve 0/60 in under 4 seconds.

The Eco-Car Spectacular is sponsored by TAG Heuer, Sharpham Park, Shell, Caroline Whitmey Ltd, EV Cup, HAB Housing, BARC, Solstis and Tesla, and many volunteers who are giving their time for free… Any profit made from the event will be donated to The Prince’s Charities Foundation and Bottletop.

‘A Garden Party To Make A Difference’ will be the longest Royal Garden Party in history and takes place in the gardens of Lancaster House, Clarence House and Marlborough House from 8 – 19 September 2010.

The aim of the Garden Party is to make green issues and sustainability fun - on entering Lancaster House Garden, visitors will come face to face with a vast Earth Pavilion made with mud tiles, as well as an array of giant, colourful installations and the opportunity to interact and take part in a wide range of workshops. In addition a daily entertainment programme of debates, music and comedy has been organised, with participants donating their time and services to ‘Start’.

Roger Saul said: ‘This will be a ground-breaking gathering for anyone with even the smallest interest in an eco-friendly way of travelling – a chance to question the transport we use and view the possible alternatives; I am thrilled to be involved.’

For more information on the Eco Car Spectacular to learn the latest on which cars are to be featured and who will be driving: www.startecocars.com

For more information on the Garden Party: www.startgardenparty.co.uk

For more information on Start, please visit: www.startuk.org
 

Emma Watson's Spring/Summer 2011 Collection to launch at 'A Garden To Make A Difference'

Posted 31st August 2010 15:29pm

 
Emma Watson’s Spring/Summer 2011 fashion collection will be launched by People Tree, the British fair trade clothing company, at The Prince of Wales’ 12-day ‘eco festival’, A Garden Party To Make A Difference. The fashion show will take place on Saturday 11 September at 3.30pm and will be held in the historic Friary Court, of St. James’s Palace, below The Proclamation Balcony – the place where the new sovereign is declared and heralded in public for the first time after ascending to the throne.

With a strong interest in Fair Trade and organic fashion but frustrated at the lack of clothing aimed at people her age Emma Watson decided to work with People Tree, founded by Saifia Minney in 1991, and created her first collection last year. Whilst unable to attend the event in person, Emma Watson will introduce the show via a video message. She explained about the ‘royal’ fashion show: "I'm so thrilled that People Tree will be showing the spring summer collection at A Garden Party to Make a Difference. I think The Prince of Wales’ initiative is such a brilliant idea and I'm thrilled"

Tickets on sale now: Priced £15 for adults and £7.50 for children. Full details are available on the Garden Party website www.startgardenparty.co.uk For more information on Start, please visit: www.startuk.org
 

Image: The Royal Collection © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2010

Turquoise Mountain - Miniature Master Classes

Posted 31st August 2010 12:09pm

Miniature Master Classes

In June, July and August, Turquoise Mountain hosted two of Afghanistan’s and the Middle East’s foremost miniature painters, Ustad Khadim Ali and Ustad Abdul Naser Sawabi. The masters have drawn on their own apprenticeship educations in miniature painting to complete the world’s first miniature painting curriculum to be codified in a modern, standardised format.

Previously, this esteemed Islamic artistic style has been transmitted from master to apprentice with no formal written materials. Now, students in the School of Calligraphy & Painting will benefit from a structured curriculum designed to provide them with not just the technical ability but also the historical understanding of the great importance of this art form.

Master profile

Khadim Ali (1978) is a Hazara artist currently based in Sydney, Australia. Most recently he trained in contemporary miniature painting at the National College of Art, Lahore, Pakistan, and in mural painting and calligraphy at Tehran University, Iran. His work has been exhibited in museums and biennales in Japan, Australia, Italy, Britain, Afghanistan, Pakistan and elsewhere. His work is also held in numerous private and public collections around the world.

Here Khadim Ali discusses miniature painting and the importance of the new curriculum;

“When my great grandparents fled Afghanistan for British India during the reign of Abdur Rahman Khan over 100 years ago, the only books they had with them were the Holy Qur’an and Ferdowsi’s Shahnamah. For them, and even when I was growing up in Quetta, Pakistan, the culture of storytelling was a central part of life.

The Shahnamah, written in Ghazni, was later illustrated in Herat with the most beautiful miniatures paintings from the school of Kamaleddin Behzad himself. Yet, soon after Behzad, conflict drove Afghanistan’s miniature painters to Iran. From that time, half a millennium ago right until the present day, there has not been a living miniature painting tradition in Afghanistan – a tragedy given it was here that some of the finest pieces in miniature history were created.

Today in Iran and Pakistan, miniature painting is seen mostly as a craft, not an art; that is, as a discipline in which one copies from historical examples, rather than one where the artist innovates, adapts, breaks the rules, fuses with other styles and traditions. I am one of the very few of those trained in classical miniature painting that has taken it as the sophisticated art form I think it is, and in my work I seek not just to replicate the beauty and intricacy of the discipline, but to combine it with contemporary art, to make it alive and relevant to the modern world.

This is what I have been teaching my students in the Institute. I want them to bring new energy and ideas to miniature painting; to use the curriculum that we have created to inspire the students to look upon it as an art, to make true artists of them and not just craftsmen. It will take time and effort – it’s the revival of an ancient tradition – but I think it will be worth it. Not just because of the cultural value of bringing miniatures back to Afghanistan, but also because there is really great economic potential for Afghan miniature artists: the international art market will look to them as they have to my own work, because it is a truly Afghan art.”

The Prince's Regeneration Trust - A Garden Party To Make A Difference

Posted 24th August 2010 15:19pm

A Garden Party To Make A Difference

8th-19th September, 2010

The Prince's Regeneration Trust has joined with the Feildbarn team to take part in The Prince of Wales's A Garden Party to Make a Difference.

The Trust will have a stand at the event to show what simple steps can be taken to protect our beautiful historic buildings and reduce carbon emissions. It will feature the recently published "Green Guide for Historic Buildings" and a series of styled Feildbarn eco-pods in honour of the exhibition's curators.

Jonathan Dimbleby, Kevin McCloud, Sanjeev Baskar, Dame Vivienne Westwood, are all supporting the event which will be a tremendous opportunity to visit these historic gardens, while also finding out about ways to help build a sustainable future.

Mosaic - Talent 2010 Programme

Posted 12th August 2010 15:33pm

MOSAIC

The power of positive thinking

TALENT 2010 PROGRAMME - Supporting & Nurturing Britan's Young Talent

Do you know a person or organisation doing great things, inspiring others, having a real impact upon our lives? This is your chance to nominate them to be recognised at Mosaic's biggest celebration. All finalists will benefit from Mosaic's Talent Programme that includes mentoring from Mosaic's inspiring supporters, internship opportunities, and participation in Mosaic's International Summit.

Categories

Science and Technology / Excellence in Education / Arts and Culture / Mosaic Mentor of the Year/ Inspirational Leader of the Year / Young Entrepreneur Young Volunteer / Community Leadership International / Sports / Interfaith / Media.

To apply

To fill out a nomination form, visit www.mosaicnetwork.co.uk/awards

Applications are now open until Friday 10th September. Winners will be announced at the Mosaic Talent Awards in November 2010.

To attend

If you would like to attend this prestigious event, book now to avoid disappointment! Tickets include a drinks reception and canapes, three course dinner, and entertainment. 

Call: 020 7566 8730

email: mosaictalent@bitc.org.uk

Table of 10 £3,500+VAT. Individual £400+VAT.

New Appointment To Lead Mey Selections Brand

Posted 6th August 2010 16:03pm

MEY SELECTIONS, the food and farming brand of the North Highlands
Initiative, based in Wick and founded, by HRH, The Duke of Rothesay, to
promote the outstanding food and drink of the Far North of Scotland has
appointed Robert (Rob) McKinnon as its new General Manager to lead the
future development of the business.

Sales of the company’s products have generated a cumulative premium of a
million pounds over normal market prices for the region’s farmers, since
its foundation in 2005. Both the novel approach and quality of its
products have been recognised through numerous awards including “Best
Retail Initiative” in Radio 4’s Food Programme’s 2008 “Food and Farming” awards.

Rob McKinnon has previously worked as a consultant with a number of
leading global food companies, and most recently was a Director of Duchy
Originals, the organic food brand.

Danny Miller, Chairman of Mey Selections said “After a period of rapid
growth, the Board has spent the last six months reviewing all aspects of
the business in detail. This has delivered a more efficient cost base,
stronger relationship with suppliers and a stronger focus on North
Highland beef and lamb, which are recognised throughout Scotland
and the world as among the finest available. With this review complete, it is
the right time to bring on a new General Manager to lead the next phase of
growth."

David Whiteford, Chairman of the North Highlands Initiative said "Rob’s
broad experience of the food market and brand licensing in particular,
stood out and we are delighted to welcome him to the North Highland
Initiative.”

Rob McKinnon said “I’m looking forward to building on Mey Selections’
unique position to promote both the North Highlands region, and the
great-tasting food it produces.”

For more details about Mey Selections please visit www.mey-selections.com

The Prince's Foundation for Children & the Arts - Tickets to Tamara Drewe Premiere

Posted 4th August 2010 13:55pm

In aid of The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts

The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts is delighted to announce that they have been chosen by Momentum Pictures as the beneficiary charity of the UK premiere of Tamara Drewe, taking place on Monday 6th September, and you could be there too!

With a full British cast and crew, this is set to be the premiere of the year and has already received outstanding reviews from its special screening out of competition at the Cannes festival. All of the cast are expected to attend the premiere including Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper.

For your chance to walk down the red (or in this case green) carpet at the Odeon, Leicester Square please reserve tickets now by emailing events@childrenandarts.org.uk or calling 020 3326 2234 with your name, address, telephone number, email and the number of tickets you would like to reserve. Tickets are limited and will cost £50, £70 or £100 and all proceeds will support Children & the Arts work around the UK during 2011/12.

The deadline for signing up is Monday 23rd August 2010 and you will be notified within 48 hours of this date whether or not you have been successful. All proceeds will support Children & the Arts’ work across the UK in 2011/12, taking sustainable high quality arts projects to school children who would otherwise not have the opportunity.
 

The Prince's Charities Newest Recruit - The Prince's Countryside Fund

Posted 4th August 2010 13:34pm

The Prince’s Countryside Fund, a unique collaboration of businesses working together to secure a sustainable future for British agriculture and the wider rural economy, was launched at St James’s Palace on 22nd July 2010 by HRH The Prince of Wales and leaders of the food industry.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund is the brainchild of The Prince of Wales who has a long-held commitment to supporting Britain’s hard pressed rural areas. The Fund is raising money from a wide range of businesses who have responded to The Prince’s call to action to help improve the long-term viability of the British countryside and its rural communities. The intention is to inspire other businesses and the general public to get involved and recognise the importance of the countryside to the nation’s well-being and the wider British economy.

“The vision and commitment of The Prince of Wales has brought together in common cause this extraordinary alliance of food businesses. The Fund will be a lifeline for Britain’s most vulnerable farmers and communities, helping them to secure a sustainable future for themselves. I hope that other companies will be inspired to contribute to the Fund so that more and more can be done to improve the long-term viability of hard-pressed rural areas,” Mark Price, Managing Director of Waitrose and Chairman of The Prince’s Countryside Fund trustee board.

princescountrysidefund.org.uk
 

Formation of the International Integrated Reporting Committee

Posted 2nd August 2010 11:00am

The Prince’s Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) announced today the formation of the International Integrated Reporting Committee (IIRC).

The world has never faced greater challenges: over-consumption of finite natural resources, climate change, and the need to provide clean water, food and a better standard of living for a growing global population. Decisions taken in tackling these issues need to be based on clear and comprehensive information; but, as The Prince of Wales has said, we are at present “battling to meet 21st century challenges with, at best, 20th century decision making and reporting systems.”

The IIRC’s remit is to create a globally accepted framework for accounting for sustainability. A framework which brings together financial, environmental, social and governance information in a clear, concise, consistent and comparable format - put briefly, in an “integrated” format. The intention is to help with the development of more comprehensive and comprehensible information about an organization’s total performance, prospective as well as retrospective, to meet the needs of the emerging, more sustainable, global economic model.

The IIRC brings together a cross section of representatives from civil society and the corporate, accounting, securities, regulatory, NGO, IGO and standard-setting sectors. It comprises a Steering Committee and a Working Group. The Steering Committee is chaired by Sir Michael Peat, Principal Private Secretary to TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, with Professor Mervyn King, Chairman, King Committee on Corporate Governance and Chairman, Global Reporting Initiative, as Deputy Chairman. The Working Group has co-chairmen: Paul Druckman, A4S Executive Board Chairman, and Ian Ball, Chief Executive Officer, International Federation of Accountants. The role of the IIRC is to respond to the need for a concise, clear, consistent and comparable integrated reporting framework, reflecting the organization’s strategic objectives, governance and business model, and integrating both financial and non-financial information.

Every publicly listed company is required to file an annual report on its financial performance in compliance with, in most cases, either International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). Increasingly companies are also producing, mostly on a voluntary basis, corporate social responsibility or sustainability reports but these can vary widely in terms of relevance and quality, largely because there is no global standard for measuring and reporting on environmental, social and governance performance.

“To make our economy sustainable we have to relearn everything we have learnt from the past. That means making more from less and ensuring that governance, strategy and sustainability are inseparable" said Professor Mervyn King, Chairman of the GRI. "Integrated Reporting builds on the practice of Financial Reporting, and Environmental, Social and Governance - or ESG - Reporting, and equips companies to strategically manage their operations, brand and reputation to stakeholders and be better prepared to manage any risk that may compromise the long-term sustainability of the business."
Sir David Tweedie, Chairman of the International Accounting Standards Board, said “The case for globally consistent financial reporting standards is well understood and accepted. It is appropriate to apply the same global approach to other aspects of corporate reporting. This initiative represents an important step on that journey.”

Ian Ball, CEO of the International Federation of Accountants said “The goal of the IIRC is not to increase the reporting burden on companies and other entities. Rather, it is to help them and all their stakeholders make better resource allocation decisions. All of us have a stake in a sustainable society. While integrated reporting alone cannot ensure sustainability it is a powerful mechanism to help us all make better decisions about the resources we consume and the lives we lead.”

Jane Diplock, Chairperson, Executive Committee of the International Organization of Securities Commissions, said, “I believe we will look back on the creation of this Committee as a turning point in the development of corporate reporting.”

A list of the members of the Steering Committee and Working Group is attached and further information on the IIRC can be found at www.integratedreporting.org.

North Highland Initiative - Royal visit to the North Highlands

Posted 29th July 2010 12:02pm

Royal visit to the North Highlands

Founder of North Highland Initiative (NHI), HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay is visiting the region to witness progress in boosting the North Highland’s economy.

On 30th July at The Storehouse in Evanton, Ross-shire, The Duke will meet representatives from North Highland Tourism, North Highland Products, North Highland Connections, Funders and Associate Bodies to see how the region’s economy has developed through its produce, tourism and heritage.

HRH will also visit a small farmers’ market at The Storehouse and talk to local producers from the region.

Operators of The Storehouse, Quintin and Michelle Stevens say: “This visit means a lot to the people of the region and we look forward to welcoming His Royal Highness and introducing him to local producers and products from the area. We have some of the finest produce in Scotland which can now be bought across the UK thanks to the North Highland Initiative.”

Passionate about the region, The Duke of Rothesay formed the NHI in 2005 to bring together the farming community, local business and the tourism industry to address the challenges that face the rural communities in the far north of Scotland.

David Whiteford, Chairman of the North Highland Initiative comments: “It is an honour to welcome The Duke back to the North Highlands to recognise the hard work of the local community. Local businesses and producers do face challenges due to our remote and fragile location but the NHI has been instrumental in boosting the local economy and gaining recognition for our produce around the UK.”

Jill McNicol, Marketing and Membership Manager of North Highland Tourism, praised the NHI for helping increase tourism into the area:

“The North Highlands of Scotland offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK and there is always somewhere new to explore. Our challenge was getting people to travel that little bit further to be mind blown when they get here and the creation of the NHI has really assisted in overcoming this.

“We have visitors, old and new, coming year in, year out and it is rewarding to hear how much of a great time they have, from enjoying the local produce, exploring the countryside and coastline to soaking up the warm welcome that everyone in the region gives to them.”