Happy Friday! It’s been so long since we last met, reader, that Society Diary barely recognised you. We’ve a lot of charity sector shenanigans to cover in today’s offensively brief column.
But firstly, allow Diary to address some rumours that have been swirling around in various online cesspits – no, this columnist has not received any “freebies” in recent months in exchange for sympathetic coverage online. More’s the pity.
Diary was however intrigued to receive an invitation to a four-day event in Lake Como hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice. Unfortunately, Diary has to unpack its swimming cozzie after Civil Society Towers refused to cover its $92,000 (cheapest available) room. But can you really put a price on advancing global justice? Apparently so.
Spare a thought for Diary’s tireless newshound colleagues, one of whom was unsuccessfully trying to pin down our shiny new minister Stephanie Peacock at the Labour Conference for a chin wag about all things civil society. After being told she was too busy, it appears the minister ended up jumping into the sea instead. Horses for courses.
WaterAid loo seats
Now, before you distracted Diary, we were going to discuss WaterAid’s fabulous toilet seats.
These aren’t just any old bog decorations, reader – they have been designed by a group of 25 fashion designers, artists and (best of all) celebrities.
Boy George, who is auctioning his charmingly-titled creation Piss & Love, said: “I love the concept of reimagining the toilet as a luxury, and had a lot of fun designing my own Best Seat in the House to highlight the importance of decent toilets.
“My seat is a ‘punk throne’ of defiance, with a cheeky message written inside as I like to bring humour and optimism into my art.”
For those curious, the secret scribble on George’s seat reads: “PISS AND LOVE.”
Preloved nuptials
Congratulations to Nina and Stefan, who earlier this month became the (more than likely) first UK couple to get married in a charity shop.
On Sunday 8 September, the pair tied the knot in homelessness charity Emmaus’s superstore in Mossley, Greater Manchester.
While the venue might sound unusual, it was decked out with recently donated church pews and a mix of dining chairs seating more than 100 guests.
“I’d say our wedding cost around £200 and that covered my second-hand dress, two wedding rings, Stefan’s outfit, naan breads, orange juice and lemonade,” said the blushing bride.
Nina and Stefan, please accept Diary’s apology that it could not join you for the celebration for fear of risking its anonymity, but thanks for the invite and let’s catch up soon.
