Nominations now open for the Allianz Arts & Business NI Awards 2010

Posted 23rd July 2009 11:45am by Alison Duguid

The Allianz Arts & Business NI Awards celebrate and showcase the best examples of cultural partnerships and sponsorships in Northern Ireland.

The awards are open to any business that has partnered with a cultural organisation to achieve marketing, branding, CSR and professional development objectives.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 4th September 2009. The shortlist will be announced in October 2009 and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at the Ulster Museum on Thursday 21st January 2010.

For further information click here to visit the Arts and Business website.

Department for Transport appoints Business in the Community to manage business travel network

Posted 23rd July 2009 11:34am by Alison Duguid

The Department for Transport (DfT) has appointed Business in the Community to manage its business travel network and be a partner in promoting sustainable travel to business.

The DfT currently provides £250,000 annually to support the National Business Travel Network (NBTN), which provides a peer to peer networking service for over 300 members engaged in travel planning. Following a successful tender process, Business in the Community will take on the management of this innovative network and promote sustainable travel to business.

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, Business in the Community said: "We’re thrilled to be working with the Department for Transport on this important agenda. Promoting sustainable business and commuting travel is a significant part of being a responsible business. Not only does it have considerable benefits for employees, the local community and the environment, but action can also cut costs and improve productivity for businesses in this tough economic climate.

"We will be delivering the work on sustainable business travel through our Business Action on Health campaign and through The Prince’s May Day Network on Climate Change, which we convene. We look forward to building on the excellent work done by the National Business Travel Network and welcoming the Director, Heather McInroy, who will be joining BITC in the Autumn."

Sadiq Khan, Transport Minister, said: "Business travel and commuting accounts for 37% of transport related CO2 emissions. It is therefore vital that the public and private sectors work together if we are to meet our low carbon transportation targets. We must draw on the skills, expertise and dynamism of business - which is why I am delighted Business in the Community has been selected to manage the National Business Travel Network grant."

New Chairman appointed to The Prince's Trust

Posted 22nd July 2009 10:26am by Alison Duguid

HRH The Prince of Wales has appointed Mr Charles Dunstone, Chief Executive of The Carphone Warehouse, as Chairman of The Prince’s Trust.

Mr Dunstone replaces Sir Fred Goodwin, whose six-year term as Chairman ended last month.

Having joined The Prince’s Trust as a trustee in 2000, Mr Dunstone has been key to the development of many fundraising activities and events including Fashion Rocks and The Prince's Trust’s 30th Birthday concert at the Tower of London in 2006.
 

Mosaic International Summer School officially opens with welcome address by HRH The Prince of Wales

Posted 20th July 2009 13:48pm by Alison Duguid

Today marks the first day of the inaugural Mosaic International Summer School which has brought together 90 Muslim delegates from across the world for a two week programme that has been designed to inspire leadership, engage debate and drive international change.

Welcoming the delegates to the Summer School via a video link, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales spoke of his delight over the interest that the Summer School has created and wished the delegates well in their participation.

The International Summer School is an initiative being driven by Mosaic, a charitable organisation founded by The Prince within his charity Business in the Community, to address Muslim community-based interests and issues.

Sponsored by international partner, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited and developed in association with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the International Summer School will take place in various locations around the UK from today, Monday 20 July until Friday 31 July.

The delegates will spend the first week in Cambridge taking part in daily sessions covering discussion topics such as ‘Leadership in Life’, International Community Building, Cultures & Community and a session on Environmental Sustainability from HSBC and Earthwatch, HSBC’s linked Non-Government Organisation.

In the second week, the delegates will be divided into four groups where they will visit the cities of Birmingham, Bristol, London and Manchester spending time at key cultural and community centres including the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester and the London 2012 Olympic site being regenerated by Bromley by Bow Centre and Leaside Regeneration. The two day study tours, which will focus on the themes of Communities, Entrepreneurship and the Environment, will also give the delegates the chance to meet local people instrumental in driving forward change in their communities, such as Councillor Afzal Khan, the first Muslim Mayor in a major British city and Steve Marriott, Sustainability Manager from Bristol City Council, where the city has been awarded for its approach to sustainability.

During his welcome address to delegates attending the Mosaic International Summer School HRH The Prince of Wales said:

"I am delighted that, in little more than eighteen months, the concept [of Mosaic] has already successfully built a network of like-minded individuals whose collective energy has given shape to the various elements of Mosaic, ranging from our schools mentoring programme, to supporting ex-offenders, our media network and, now, our Summer School.

"In creating the Mosaic Summer School, I wanted to draw together people with proven leadership qualities – people who will go on to be the opinion-formers and decision-makers of tomorrow. I hope that your participation in the Summer School will not only bring your own experience and expertise to bear on the topics you will be considering, but also, perhaps, to build an interest in new areas; ones you had not previously considered."

The group of delegates has been selected from a wide range of individuals aged 20-40 years old from across the world and represents a diversity of backgrounds and experience – from teachers to designers, HR professionals, students, engineers and business leaders.

John O’Brien, Managing Director of Mosaic, comments:
"Within the UK, Mosaic broadens the horizons of young Muslims and others by providing opportunities to support them realising their full potential. In providing this support, our work not only encourages individuals personally but also encourages greater understanding within society generally. The Mosaic International Summer School, hopes to extend these ideas internationally by investing in young Muslim leaders by raising their understanding of global social and environmental issues that affect everyone. In so doing we aim to support positive leadership to address such issues as well as increase understanding and collaboration between the Muslim and non Muslim world."

Kaltham Al Koheji, Regional Head of Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited adds:

"This programme presents a unique opportunity for HSBC to nurture and support the young people of our region. We hope it will go some way in making an impact on the education of our talented participants.

"If today’s students are taught the importance of good leadership qualities, we believe they will go on to be better leaders as they move ahead with their careers. The core of HSBC’s community investment is to encourage education as well as promote diversity and this programme delivers on these objectives."

On returning home, delegates will be encouraged to apply their learning to their communities – ranging from business to academic settings. In addition, the delegates will be invited to become part of the Summer School’s alumni, showing a commitment to positive relations and collaborative action between the Muslim and non Muslim world.

Golds for Duchy at Great Taste Awards

Posted 17th July 2009 10:32am by Alison Duguid

Duchy Originals are celebrating having been awarded seven gold awards at this year's Great Taste Awards! The following Duchy products were awarded gold:

• Duchy Originals Ale
• Duchy Originals Lemon Curd
• Duchy Originals Rosemary & Thyme Oaten Biscuits for Cheese
• Duchy Originals Black Pepper Wheaten Biscuits
• Duchy Originals Gooseberry Posset
• Duchy Originals Free Range Smoked Back Bacon
• Duchy Originals Free Range Oak Smoked Wafer Thin Ham

Surely a great excuse to try them for yourself and see what you think!

HRH The Prince of Wales launches "YOU London", a partnership including The Prince's Trust

Posted 16th July 2009 12:03pm by Alison Duguid

Over 1,300 young people from some of the United Kingdom’s oldest established youth groups joined HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at Buckingham Palace today to officially launch a London youth partnership called "YOU London".

This unique network of adventure, military and emergency youth organizations, aims to recruit more adult volunteers, to enable more young people to join and to share some resources.

At a special Youth Garden Party, Their Royal Highnesses met young people and adult volunteers who make up the nine organizations in the YOU London partnership: The Prince’s Trust, The Scouts Association, Air Training Corps, Girlguiding LasSER, Boy’s Brigade, Air Cadets, Sea Cadet Corps, St John Ambulance, Volunteer Police Cadets and Army Cadet Force.

Earlier today, The Prince called for these and other youth organizations to work together nationally in partnership to maximize adventure and community opportunities for young people and to raise recruitment levels of adult volunteers.

The Prince said: "My hope is that, before too long, we can replicate YOU London on a national scale so that every young person in the United Kingdom has the opportunity, if they wish to, of joining a youth organization. Our nation’s youth united together in exciting and rewarding activities should, I believe, be our ultimate goal."

Last month, The Prince launched another similar scheme in Wales, called Young Dragons, during a visit to Treorchy Comprehensive School in South Wales.

Supporting the YOU London launch, was London Mayor Boris Johnson, who said: “YOU London is simply a fantastic scheme that involves thousands of the brightest young minds in our city. Every young Londoner would benefit from the character building activities uniformed groups like the Scouts, Cadets and Guides provide and I hold them in the highest regard. We desperately need more adult volunteers to help run groups and give all young people, especially those that need steering on the right path, the opportunity to get involved. I hope today’s launch will provide the impetus needed to get more adults on board, and I will be working closely with YOU London every step of the way."

Messages of support for YOU London and The Prince’s vision of a similar national youth initiative were received from The Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and The Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron.

The Prime Minister said: "I am delighted that the great success of Project YOU has seen it expand across London and Wales, and now I hope across the whole country, helping some of our most important youth organizations reach out to many thousands more young people. These organizations are enabling young people from every background to develop the skills, confidence and aspirations that come from challenging yourself, learning to lead, and giving something back. I hope that today's celebrations highlight the power of youth organizations to transform lives, and inspire many more urgently needed adult volunteers to come forward and be a part of this change."

David Cameron said: "YOU London is a great example of the ability of Britain’s voluntary sector to innovate and to unlock the potential of our young people. The idea of youth organisations working together to increase opportunities for young people is one I wholeheartedly support."

Hugh Purcell, chairman of the You London Board, said: "On behalf of the partners in You London I would like to thank His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales for his great interest and tremendous support, and for the wonderful launch today: our 1300 young people have all experienced a day they will never forget. YOU London is working, and its organizations, many with long histories of youth work, are helping each other to maximize the impact and opportunities for all young people and adult volunteers alike. We have realized that by talking and working together, we can pool resources to the benefit of all. It is our hope to include all those who have a positive interest in young people having the opportunity for fun, adventure and gaining vocational qualifications in a controlled environment. Personally, I am thrilled and privileged, on behalf of the Greater London Lieutenancy, to be associated with this conduit, YOU London."

Photo: George Bodnar

Huge crowd at Lord's sees Rajasthan Royals beat Middlesex Panthers

Posted 14th July 2009 13:58pm by Alison Duguid

Over 22,000 people flocked to Lord's on 6th July 2009 to watch the first ever British Asian Challenge, that saw the inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League, the Rajasthan Royals go head to head against the reigning Twenty20 Cup Champions, the Middlesex Panthers. 

The match saw Rajasthan Royals storm to victory by 42 runs, scoring an impressive 162 with a loss of only 5 wickets in their twenty overs. Sohail Tanveer, Dimitri Mascarenhas and captain Shane Warne put the Panthers' hopes of a win to bed with some impressive bowling. Dimitri Mascarenhas, later named Man of the Match, not only scored 32 runs but also took the wickets of Dexter and Shah.

The British Asian Challenge, in aid of the British Asian Trust, one of The Prince's Charities, was the first Twenty20 match to be played by an IPL team in England and also marked what is probably the last time that cricket legend Shane Warne will play at Lord’s.

The match was a unique opportunity for cricket fans from all walks of life to come together and watch a match featuring a line-up of players from five of the greatest cricketing nations, including Indian team heroes Munaf Patel and Mohammed Kaif, Pakistani world cup winner Sohail Tanvir and Hampshire and England player Dimitri Mascarenhas pitching their talents and skills against the likes of Owais Shah, Murali Kartik, Tyron Henderson and captain Shaun Udal.

Shane Warne, captain of the Rajasthan Royals commented on the match: "A truly awesome experience – the reception that we got here was amazing. Everyone has taken the spirit of Twenty20 cricket and the IPL to their hearts and created an atmosphere second to none. This was a great way to bowl my last ball at Lord’s, and the win makes it even more special!"

Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive of Middlesex County Cricket Club added: "What a great match! It’s been a fabulous experience for the Panthers – I know that they’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Both squads have done cricket proud, and it shows that legends and new talent alike have the chance to shine in Twenty20."

Adding to the glamour was Rajasthan Royal’s co-owner and Celebrity Big Brother winner, Shilpa Shetty who cheered her team on and opened the Bollywood entertainment during the rain delay during the Royals’ innings.

She comments: "I’m delighted that the Rajasthan Royals were the first IPL team to play in England – and at Lord’s. It’s been such a fun day with all the great entertainment, the dancers and the completely multicultural crowd truly getting into the spirit of IPL, despite the challenges of the English weather. It makes me very proud to see India’s two greatest exports – the movie industry and cricket being taken up by the rest of the world!"

Keith Bradshaw, Secretary & Chief Executive of MCC at Lord’s adds: “This has truly been a remarkable and exciting event for Lord’s. Test cricket brings the devout cricket fans from across the nation, but Twenty20 has brought a whole new audience to Lord’s. The buzz and excitement that the Royals have created shows that Twenty20 has the potential to grab people’s interest. MCC is delighted to have hosted the first IPL Twenty20 team in England."

Manoj Badale, Chairman of the Rajasthan Royals, and Chairman of the British Asian Trust ends: "This was a landmark match for so many reasons. For the Royals we could not have asked for a better welcome and home for our first England match. For the British Asian Trust, the funds raised from the match will change people’s lives so dramatically in the Subcontinent, and I can’t thank everyone enough for their amazing support – the players, the entertainment, Lord’s and the 22,000 fans that came to cheer the teams on."

Win a personal curator-led tour of Dumfries House followed by cream tea!

Posted 13th July 2009 14:43pm by Alison Duguid

Members of The Prince's Charities Community have the opportunity to win their very own tour of Dumfries House, followed by a cream tea treat, this summer.

Dumfries House, near Cumnock in Ayrshire, is renowned as being one of the UK's most important 18th Century classical houses. It is the most significant early commission of the celebrated architect brothers John, Robert and James Adam. It was built for William Crichton Dalrymple, the fifth Earl of Dumfries, between 1754 and 1760. Completed in 1758, the magnificent Palladian mansion set in a 750 acre estate is one of the grandest and most imposing designs of any house in Scotland.

In June 2007, HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay led a consortium of organisations and individuals to rescue Dumfries House for the nation, in what was described as the 'save of the century'. The newly formed independent charity, The Great Steward of Scotland's Dumfries House Trust, now runs the house which is open to the public this year from 27th March until 31st October. You can download a copy of the 2009 Dumfries House brochure here, and find more information about visiting and booking a tour here.

Dumfries House plays host to a variety of events throughout the year including concerts, guided walks (the next ones are on 1st August and 29th August) and a wine school. It was also recently announced as one of the venues hosting an exclusive free taster performance of this summer's 60th Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The 'Taste of the Tattoo' presentation will take place at Dumfries House Estate on Thursday 20th August from 12.30-1.40pm. Whilst entry for the event is free, it will be strictly a ticketed event - for details visit Dumfries House website.

Mike Schafer, Chief Executive Officer of Dumfries House, said: "We feel very honoured to be selected as one of the four venues for this very special event. Dumfries House will provide a beautiful backdrop for the performance, which we hope will attract people from throughout Ayrshire and beyond."

Competition! The Great Steward of Scotland's Dumfries House has kindly offered an exclusive tour to one member of The Prince's Charities Community along with their three guests. The winner's tour will be conducted by Dumfries House's curator Charlotte Rostek, and be followed by a delicious Dumfries House cream tea.

To enter just answer the following question: on which date is the 'Taste of the Tattoo' performance being held at Dumfries House? E-mail your answer to princes.charities@royal.gsx.gov.uk with your name, address and telephone number.

Competition entries close at 12 noon on Friday 7th August 2009. All entrants must be members of The Prince's Charities Community website - you can join now at http://princescharities.org/user/register if you have not already done so. Travel expenses not included. No alternative prize will be offered. T&C apply.

Children & Arts awards £15,000 worth of musical instruments to UK school children

Posted 13th July 2009 11:30am by Alison Duguid

The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts, Classic FM and Yamaha Music UK are delighted to announce the winner and regional runners up of their MusicQuest competition 2008/09 run alongside their project MusicQuest, designed to bring classical music to life for children.

The competition was open to the 80 schools involved in MusicQuest 2008/09 and explored the children’s creativity and compositional skills.

Judges of the competition included Kevin Hathaway co-principal percussionist with the Philharmonia Orchestra since 1979 and MusicQuest Conductor and Classic FM presenter Nick Bailey.

First prize has been awarded to Pentland Primary School in Billingham, for their composition entitled Pentland Pyrotechnics. As the winning entry, their composition will be performed by the Northern Sinfonia at the Classic FM Live concert at The Royal Albert Hall on 24th September 2009. They will also receive £10,000 worth of musical instruments supplied by Yamaha Music UK.

The regional runners up, who will each receive £1,000 worth of musical instruments, are:

• Ochiltree Primary School (Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire)
• St Gerard’s Primary School (Middlesbrough)
• Greenways Primary School (Stoke on Trent)
• Newhall Park Primary School (Bradford)
• Stradbroke Primary School (Lowestoft).

 Su Price, Musical Coordinator at Pentland Primary School said: "We wanted to introduce pupils to classical music in an accessible way. Taking part in MusicQuest gave us the perfect opportunity. The children are so proud of it and really enjoyed the experience."

Kevin Hathaway, Co-Percussionist at the Philharmonia Orchestra and MusicQuest Conductor said of the winning entry: "Well done everyone and let this be a springboard for lots more musical projects". 

(Image copyright: Catriona Bryden) 

Mosaic supports Muslim leadership with first International Summer School

Posted 13th July 2009 10:51am by Alison Duguid

To inspire leadership within Muslim communities across the globe, 90 delegates are being brought together for the inaugural Mosaic International Summer School which is being held in the UK between 18 July – 1 August 2009.

The International Summer School is an initiative being driven by Mosaic, a charitable organisation founded by HRH The Prince of Wales within his charity Business in the Community, to address Muslim community-based interests and issues.

Sponsored by international partner, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, the International Summer School aims to increase understanding of global social and environmental issues and create positive relations between individuals from both the Muslim and non Muslim world. The school has been developed in association with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The two week programme will encourage debate and discussion around key issues facing communities worldwide, with delegates visiting projects across the UK to bring the discussions to life.

The group of delegates has been selected from a wide range of individuals aged 20-40 years old from across the world* representing a diversity of backgrounds and experience – from teachers to designers, HR professionals, students, engineers and business leaders.

John O’Brien, Managing Director of Mosaic, said: "Within the UK, Mosaic helps to break down social barriers between Muslim and non Muslim communities, through supporting young Muslims and others in deprived areas. Through the Mosaic International Summer School, we hope to echo our work on a global scale. The programme will create a network of leaders with an understanding of global social and environmental issues, so that young Muslims can drive positive relations between the Muslim and non Muslim world within their own communities and in collaboration with others".

The first week of the programme will take place in Cambridge and will consist of seminars and discussion groups contributing to the theme of inspiring leadership in the 21st century. Contributors will include those from the various Prince's Charities as well as influential British Muslims and non Muslims from all walks of life. In the second week of the programme, the delegation will be divided into groups to visit projects around the UK, before reconvening in London to report back and reflect as a group on what they have learnt.

Kaltham Al Koheji, Regional Head of Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited said: "This programme presents a unique opportunity for HSBC to nurture and support the young people of our region. We hope it will go some way in making an impact on the education of our talented participants.

"If today's students are taught the importance of good leadership qualities, we believe they will go on to be better leaders as they move ahead with their careers. The core of HSBC’s community investment is to encourage education as well as promote diversity and this programme delivers on these objectives."

On returning home, delegates will be encouraged to apply their learning to their communities – ranging from business to academic settings. In addition, the delegates will be invited to become part of the summer school’s alumni, showing a commitment to positive relations and collaborative action between the Muslim and non Muslim world.

*Bahrain, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, UK, Egypt, Jordan, Malaysia and Indonesia.