Charity work has been named as one of the top ten second careers for those in their forties who want to quit the rat race for something more compassionate.

This is according to a survey carried out by trend analysts the Future Foundation amongst 1200 customers of Norwich Union Life, many of whom were looking for what is being termed “zenployment” for the last two or three decades of their working life.

The top ten favoured zenployments are, in descending order: Continue reading →

Plans for US tycoon Donald Trump’s luxury hotel and golf course in Aberdeenshire Northern Scotland are being opposed on environmental grounds by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Aberdeen Friends of the Earth. (Caterer and Hotelkeeper).

The RSPB claims the £1 billion development will effectively destroy a part of the coastline which is currently a designated site of special scientific interest.

Donald Trump is reportedly, “still 100% committed” to the project, despite the environmental protests, and is still proceeding with the planning application.

A new law giving those caring for others the right to flexible working hours came in on 6 April.

Under the Work and Families Act 2006 around three million people currently looking after disabled and chronically sick partners, relatives or friends will have the right to work flexi-time, part-time, on a job-share basis, on a shift basis or at home. Continue reading →

Further to our piece about charity Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust dumping shares in Reed Elsevier because of Reeds interests in the weapons market (Charity Matters, May 07 “Profiting from man’s inhumanity”) it is interesting to note the high percentage of investors generally who don’t want to see their money used in the grubby armaments industry.

According to charity the Ethical Investment Research Service (EIRIS) 48% of those placing investments for pension funds would not do so in companies manufacturing weapons. Continue reading →

A charity dinner raised £28 million in four hours, with tables of 10 guests selling for up to £100,000 and raffle tickets for £1000 each. (Daily Telegraph).

It was held in aid of Absolute Return for Kids at the Marlborough House in Pall Mall and was attended by entertainers Bob Geldof, Liz Hurley, Madonna and Prince with former US president Bill Clinton giving a speech and pledging £4 million from his own foundation to help Aids victims in Mozambique. Continue reading →

Charity the Wellcome Trust is opening a new £30 million centre opposite Euston Station, London on June 27. (Conference News).

The Wellcome Collection is part gallery, part museum and part conference centre with a library café, a terrace lobby, an auditorium for 154 and four seminar rooms.

It will be well placed for international delegates arriving by train when the Eurostar commences using nearby St Pancras in November.