Comments
They got their kit off - so you get your cash out
2009-05-14 07:41:11
(... and if you read to the end, you might win something)
So come on, be honest, how many of you have changed your charitable giving habits since the recession began?
Judging by the waves of people rushing past the tin-rattlers I saw at Euston yesterday, plenty of you. We hear lots of business people saying times are hard, and the same goes for good causes.
I've mentioned before the plan to get fifty individuals or businesses to give fifty grand each to help celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Leukaemia Research.
People I would have half guaranteed as likely donors to such a scheme a couple of years ago are now taking a little longer to think about it. And it's easy to understand why with all the other economic and financial concerns they face.
But the harsh reality is that if charities like Leukaemia Research lose income, then that poses a threat to the amazing work they have done and continue to do to improve survival chances
So we need to continue raising money in any way we can. And if you cannot
afford fifty thousand pounds, maybe this one is more up your street. A ten quid
calendar. Yes, the girls have
stripped off again, a decade more mature than the last time - examples can be
seen on my Flickr page here and here. Just as tasteful and wholesome.
And how about a 12 or 14 pound ticket to see me in conversation with the original
Calendar Girls before watching the show their fund-raising heroics inspired.
To recap - it was the tragic loss of her husband John from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which inspired Angela Baker and her friends from the Rylstone WI to make the first ‘naked' calendar in aid of Leukaemia Research. There have been plenty of imitations, but these ladies are the trailblazers.
Their story having been made into a film, now it is a stage show which has
played to full houses up and down the country, and is currently on at the Noël
Coward Theatre in London's West End.
Angela Baker has seen the show six times since it opened in Chichester last
September. "Sometimes when I watch it I have to pinch myself to remember that's
my story," she says. "I feel so many emotions, it's hard to explain."
Angela and her friends launched the original calendar 10 years ago in the hope
of raising enough money to buy a sofa for the local hospital where John was
treated. To date, the Calendar Girls have raised nearly £2 million for Leukaemia
Research.
"The show makes you cry one minute and laugh the next, and
that's what it was like all along," says Angela. "There's a line where Patricia
Hodge who plays me says ‘I'm a celebrity widow' - and that's what I was made
into. John did know about the calendar and he said we were all talk but I know
he would have loved every bit of it.
"We were doing it for him and
others who go through the same thing. The actresses are wonderful; I think they
feel it in their hearts and that's why the Calendar Girls show is such a
success."
My night on stage with the Calendar Girls as a warm-up act for the show is
June 10, with all proceeds to the charity. Tickets cost £12-£44 each from the
Noël Coward Theatre on 0844 482 5140.
For more info, or to buy a calendar or make a donation visit lrf.org.uk or call 0207 405 0101.
I will buy four tickets myself - and give two pairs to what I consider to be the best comments here or on my Facebook or Twitter pages. My judgement shall be utterly subjective and beyond question or appeal. Obviously.
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'No worries' - the new response to thanksPublish date: 2009-09-01 12:25:19
Tremors of Japanese political earthquake will be felt far and widePublish date: 2009-08-30 15:50:54
Pressure on Ed Miliband can help get a climate change dealPublish date: 2009-08-28 13:39:08
Why Tories and media cannot stomach GCSE success storyPublish date: 2009-08-27 16:03:34
Exposing the absurdity of Chris GraylingPublish date: 2009-08-26 13:20:19
Joy and beauty and a night of magicPublish date: 2009-08-20 10:55:11
Twitter NHS backlash good for ObamaPublish date: 2009-08-14 15:44:49
A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Mike Barlow
2009-05-15 18:05:22The stark reality that is poverty means that a lot of people simply have nothing to give, fiscally that is, but they retain the desire to do so.
I've found, in charitable collecting times gone by, that the poorest areas are often the ones who give the most.....for those on 70 GBP per week benefits, one pound is a needed pound, after all.
Conversely, I have collected in highly affluent areas and it was easier trying to make diamonds with coal...
Why not make it easy for anyone, rich or poor, to donate small amounts of money? Micro-payments via the 'net or via the Post Office for those without bank accounts/debit cards....let's force the banks to make good their mistakes by overhauling their nefarious charges and %'s on what is, after all, nothing major technically, they do it already but limit the minimums involved by way of greedy commissions...I know they won't like doing it, but by jove, they've had enough of our money, in handouts, after all.
Which leads me to say....if we can give, as a nation, 30 Billion quid + to over-rich banks who dole it out as bonuses, why can't we give one billion away to needy charities on a non-repayable loan basis?
If I had tickets...I'd give them, and some grub and warm drinks, to any of the homeless outside the venue.
Mike
CPW
2009-05-14 20:52:11I'm running a competition, too. The next person who asks AC to pose in his birthday suit gets the 'Bored housewife of the week' award. Prize consists of a year's subscription to Good Housekeeping, two bottles of cheap gin and a much needed sense of perspective. Good luck, ladies.
Emma
2009-05-14 19:50:13I don't wish to appear a blog stalker... and I start this by saying I would love to be available on June 10th, but I'm not.
But I've just spoken to my mum and told her about this blog post. She's corrected me... more than £2500 was given in my dad's memory and said it was humbling people dug so deep.
I also did a bit of viral marketing... she's in the WI, so I encouraged her to book a group trip to the theatre on 10th June.
As they say, great things happen when people come together.
VH
2009-05-14 15:52:43I think you should do a naked calendar, AC... I'd definitely buy it!
Emma
2009-05-14 14:36:44I wondered the other night why these MPs are giving money back rather than saying "OK, it's going to so-and-so charity in my constituency".
Oxfam twittered for a whole day last week on what the recession means in terms of reduced donations.
When people do give, it's generous. My dad dropped dead 18 months ago. Aorta aneurysm of the aorta. 15 by 13 by 7 cm is a postmortem statistic which will stay with me for ever. Two months after he died a screening programme was announced for the most vulnerable - men over 65. It could save 700 lives a year. We asked for donations to the British Heart Foundation and Save the Children. More than £1500. Just wonderful.
My grandmother died a month after my dad. I've been fortunate enough to inherit a very small sum of money.
Your blog post has prompted me to finally get round to sending money to a charity project a former colleague set up.
Oh, and you want £50 Leukaemia Research? I'm doing that this afternoon, too.
gary Enefer
2009-05-14 14:27:25Dear AC
Good work. I pay for a dolphin £4pm, £4pm autism and Prison Phoenix Trust (£50 pa)that has Yoga 90 Yoga teachers in our prisons helping inmates and staff. I am a white male Church of England but I saw a programme about Islam where it is ingrained in a Muslim's daily life/ practices to help charity.I was proud to see this of our British Muslims.
On another point - sort of connected to your excellent work on 'cracking up',I am very concnered for Phil Hope's welfare. I think his knee jerk to offering to pay back £41000 reaction hides displays depression and anxiety.
His manner on TV has worried me and I wonder if you or the party can find someone to keep an eye on him and be there for him? oK,he has made a mistake but he looks very shaken up.The worst thing he can feel is depressed and not get help.His family may not see the signs or know what to do and they may add to his dark thoughts - I have been there.
Kenny Hemphill
2009-05-14 11:00:43Excellent point about the effect the recession is having on charities. Many of them have seen a significant drop in donations at a time when they need more money, not less.
Can I make a pitch for Payroll Giving? I've been using it to donate for a couple of years now and it really is an excellent scheme. From the individual's point of view, having money deducted at source means that after a month or two you don't miss it and from the charity's viewpoint means that they receive a regular income stream and don't have to go through the bureaucracy of reclaiming tax through Gift Aid.
Finally, we're not all worse off in this recession, some of us who have been fortunate enough to benefit from the dramatic fall in interest rates and seen our tracker mortgages become significantly less expensive are better off. What better way to share that good fortune than passing some of it to a local charity? They could really do with your help.
Alan Quinn
2009-05-14 09:43:01Ally, I think it's just a fact of life that in a recession money is short and it seems to be the same old faces doing more and more good work. Most people like yourself get involved because of personal circumstance. With me it was the arrival 15 yrs ago of a Down's Syndrome daughter with a congenital heart condition (don't feel sorry for me as now she's just as much as a pain in the arse as the other three).
I think the answer is to be different as in the calender, comic relief, and children in need where OK you donate but you get a bit back in return.
Yesterday we raised over a grand here at work by selling bedding plants for our partner charity Sue Ryder Care.
Paul Marshall
2009-05-14 09:23:48How about filling the place with MPs who hand over ten per cent of their expenses claims?
Sally Wilson
2009-05-14 09:23:03I saw you film on how the charity started, all from the death of one girl. Her family can never have imagined where it would all lead, and the same goes for the Calendar Girls. They probably did think they would raise enough for a sofa - now look where it has led. Fantastic, and as you say, great for the charity in difficult times
Alina Palimaru
2009-05-14 08:00:09First of all, I should mention that I cannot be considered for your competition, since I know I cannot come. Now moving on, I applaud your efforts. As I posted in your previous blog about leukaemia, I think organizations like this one fill in a huge gap created by rapacious pharmaceutical companies that refuse to invest in R&D; for products that, based on their projections, may not be profitable (at least not in the short run). Often times, the lure of profit makes these firms disregard the fact that the market value of Leukaemia treatment as only a fraction of its social value. This is why we have twenty brands of Arthritis medication, which can be sold lucratively to wealthy client segments.
So keep up the wonderful work in this area and good luck to the rest of the participants!
Clare Jenkins
2009-05-14 07:59:36Thanks for supporting this and thank you also to the fabulouw women who have made this calandar. Nice to see that we mature women are not past it.
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