Vimba Charity

Vimba is a small but dedicated charity that aims to aid and support people in Zimbabwe desperately in need of help. The charity was started in 2007 by a group of friends united by the same interest, and has since gained momentum, making a difference to many precious lives across the globe. It is certainly a very worthy cause to support.

I was invited to celebrate Vimba and Christmas at a festive evening a few weeks ago. It was amazing to hear a little bit more about the cause while seeing photos of those they have been able to help. Held in the hospitable Lodge Hotel in Putney, champagne and canapés were served whilst guests chatted.

The Vimba team gave a brief but inspiring talk about the year's challenges and progress, highlighting particular volunteers and contributors who had donated and raised money for the cause through feats like running a marathon. The highlight and conclusion of the evening came from vocal duo sensation Aurora who performed four uplifting songs, including a powerful rendition of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma which delighted the audience.

I implore you all to look at this fantastic charity’s website here, and next time someone asks for a charity name to donate to, suggest Vimba!

Visit the VIMBA website here.

Mastercard Priceless Events: Winter Wonderland at The Natural History Museum

It was just like the film 'Night at the Museum' when we turned up at the magically illuminated Natural History Museum for one of Mastercard's Priceless nights, I was invited along to their most recent event at London’s most famous Museum to learn, explore and eat.

The hall inside was wondrous, soothing string music, lights flickering and glasses of champagne cocktail clinking, a true Winter Wonderland. After some delicious canapes (so good, you want to follow the waitresses around), there was a brief talk where the evening was explained... we were split into groups and taken round with guides - experts in different areas: Dinosaurs (Paul Barrett), Fossils (Adrian Lister), Plants (Mark Spencer), Rocks and Meteorites (Natasha Stephen) and Mammals (Louise Tomsett).

We were off to see the dinosaur man first... torches were handed out for our atmospheric tour in darkness. It was exciting to understand these fascinating creatures and to see the proof of their existence. Although I have visited the Museum before, never have I been so intrigued and amazed by the stories behind the specimens. The mammals are intriguing and adorable, we learnt about snow foxes and reindeers (the scientists were keen to put a topical Christmas spin on their talks). Next we walked through the spectacular vault to reach Natasha Stephen, who specialises in meteorites from Mars! We all got to hold and examine various ancient meteorites, including rocks that had compounds older than the earth itself, it was amazing.

Before the final two sessions, we were treated to more music and bowls of food in the main hall: Thai beef curry, sausages and mash and vegetarian risotto was on offer, warming and comforting food that replenished our energy. We met a lovely group of people who mentioned that they attend all the Mastercard Priceless events, and couldn’t praise the programme highly enough.

Mark Spencer, plant man, was engaging and friendly, better still he was very passionate about his speciality and this rubbed off on us… the talk about holly and ivy and other Christmas plants was very memorable. Finally we went down to the fossils to see specimens from the last Ice Age, apparently relatively new fossils compared to others in the vast National History Museum collection. It was hilarious to hear how these mammoth tusks and lion imprints had been found in Ealing and Isleworth, the very ground we walk on every day.

Exhausted from our exciting educational evening, (I did regret wearing heels for such a museum trek), we ate our chocolate mousses and left before the crowd. Thank you Mastercard for a truly imaginative and informative experience, it was one of the most unique nights I have ever had the pleasure of blogging.

Visit the Mastercard website here.

Wool Week

Milly the Sheep

So we all know that 'fashion week's are coming up in many major cities, but who knew that this week is Wool Week in the UK? Well it is, and there are events and activities happening across the capital embracing all things woolly. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales initiated the Campaign for Wool, to make us more aware of the huge challenges facing the wool industry. It seems Wool Week has come not a moment too soon, considering the arctic September weather we are currently experiencing.

The highlight of the week is an exhibition titled WOOL MODERN launching at La Galleria in London – a celebration of wool in the 21^st century. The show exhibits innovative wool-related pieces from iconic designers including furniture, art and photography, and taking a peek at the history of wool. There is also the chance to register to compete for an exclusive designer woolly handbag, thanks to Harvey Nichols.

My favourite thing about this event though is the woolly mascot that has been designed by MillaMia in honour of the week, Milly the Sheep! Complete with instructions, MillaMia hopes to introduce people to the world of wool with this fun and quick knit. Each furry animal can be customised with its own coloured scarf and is made from soft merino wool from John Lewis, or other yarn shops across the UK. Read the instructions to make your own Milly the Sheep here.

More information on Wool Week here.