Tag Archives: alexandra burke

STARS LAUNCH SAVE THE ARCTIC CAMPAIGN

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Greenpeace to plant a million names on seabed beneath the pole

Stars from the worlds of music, film, TV and business are today launching a campaign to save the Arctic.

Sir Paul McCartney, Penelope Cruz, Robert Redford, One Direction, Alexandra Burke, Jarvis Cocker and Sir Richard Branson are among dozens of famous names who are asking for a global sanctuary in the Arctic. They have joined forces with Greenpeace to demand that oil drilling and unsustainable fishing are banned in Arctic waters.

Others demanding that the uninhabited area around the North Pole is legally protected and made off-limits to polluters include Edward Norton, Woody Harrelson, Jude Law, John Hurt, Rita Ora, Thom Yorke, Tim Roth, Thandie Newton, Bruce Parry, Lawrence Dallaglio, explorer David de Rothschild and Cilla Black. (Full list below.)

They are among the first one hundred names to be written on an Arctic Scroll, which is launched by Greenpeace today at the Rio Earth Summit. When a million others add their own names Greenpeace will embark on an expedition to plant it on the seabed at the North Pole, four kilometres beneath the ice. The spot will be marked by a Flag for the Future designed by the youth of the world.

Anybody in the world can add their name to the Arctic Scroll and have their name planted beneath the pole by visiting www.SaveTheArctic.org

The huge expanse around the pole belongs to all of us because it is defined in international law as the high seas. But as temperatures rise and the ice melts the Arctic states – Russia, Canada, the US, Norway and Denmark – are making territorial claims on the seabed so they can open the door to oil companies. Arctic sea ice has retreated dramatically in recent years and scientists say the North Pole could soon be ice free.

The campaign is formally launched today at the Rio Earth Summit at a press conference (details below) hosted by Greenpeace International executive director Kumi Naidoo, Sir Richard Branson and actress Lucy Lawless, star of Battlestar Galactica and Xena: Warrior Princess. Lucy will be sentenced in September after scaling oil company Shell’s Arctic drilling rig and blocking its operations for 72 hours in New Zealand in February.

Sir Paul McCartney said: “The Arctic is one of the most beautiful and last untouched regions on our planet, but now it’s under threat. Some countries and companies want to open it up to oil drilling and industrial fishing and do to the Arctic what they’ve done to the rest of our fragile planet. It seems madness that we are willing to go to the ends of the Earth to find the last drops of oil when our best scientific minds are telling us we need to get off fossil fuels to give our children a future. At some time, in some place, we need to take a stand. I believe that time is now and that place is the Arctic.”

Greenpeace International executive director Kumi Naidoo said: “The Arctic is coming under assault and needs people from around the world to stand up and demand action to protect it. A ban on offshore oil drilling and unsustainable fishing would be a huge victory against the forces ranged against this precious region and the four million people who live there. And a sanctuary in the uninhabited area around the pole would in a stroke stop the polluters colonising the top of the world without infringing on the rights of Indigenous communities.”

As part of today’s launch, polar bears have been appearing in cities around the world.

Shell is due to begin exploratory drilling at two offshore sites in the Alaskan Arctic in the coming weeks. If Shell is successful this summer, an Arctic oil rush will be sparked and the push to carve up the region will accelerate. Russian oil giant Gazprom is also pushing into the offshore Arctic this year.

In 2007 Russian explorer Artur Chilingarov planted a Russian flag on the seabed beneath the pole and ‘claimed’ it for Moscow. Wikileaks documents later revealed he was acting on the instructions of the Russian Government. Now Greenpeace is planting the names of a million global citizens beneath the pole and marking the spot with a Flag for the Future designed by children in a global competition organised by the ten million-strong Girl Guide movement.

The campaign will initially focus on pushing for a UN resolution demanding a global sanctuary around the pole and a ban on oil drilling and unsustainable fishing in the wider Arctic. The campaign was launched today because the Arctic Circle is defined as the area of the globe which on the longest day – 21 June – experiences 24 hours of sunlight. On 21 June the sun never sets on the Arctic.

Rodion Sulyandziga from the Udega People and First Vice President of RAIPON (Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North) said:

“At present, the Arctic – one of the last unique and intact places on Earth – is facing a real threat from active oil drilling. A large scale oil exploration ‘development’ can irreversibly destroy the virgin purity of the Arctic region, putting at stake the physical existence and survival of Indigenous Peoples who, without their traditional living patterns, without their eternal habitat, will have no future.”

Three Arctic states, the US, Canada and Russia were responsible for sinking an Oceans Rescue Plan in Rio which would protect the vulnerable marine life of the Arctic’s international waters and enable the establishment of a sanctuary in the area around the pole.

Kumi Naidoo added: “We’re drawing a line in the ice and saying to polluters ‘you come no further.’ People ask me why I, as an African, care so deeply about the Arctic, but the answer is simple. The Arctic is the world’s refrigerator, it keeps us cool by reflecting the sun’s energy off its icy surface, but as the ice melts it’s accelerating global warming, threatening lives and livelihoods on every continent. Wherever we come from, the Arctic is our destiny.”

A new short film written and produced by advertising legend Trevor Beattie and released today uses stunning Arctic footage shot by world-renowned ‘Earth from the Air’ photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. The film is narrated by Golden Globe-winning actor John Hurt and can be viewed at www.savethearctic.org

Collars & Coats gala ball To Celebrate 151 Years Of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

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Collars & Coats gala ball

This year to celebrate the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home 151st anniversary, some of the biggest names in fashion have come out in force to show their support for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and its prestigious annual fundraising event The Collars & Coats Gala Ball, taking place on 11th November 2011 at Battersea Evolution.

Prada, Mui Mui, Oliver Goldsmith, Grace Woodward and Matthew Williamson are just some of the designers who are in support of this glamorous event and have donated exclusive gifts for the auction prizes. Items such as beautiful handbags, sunglasses, boots, exotic holidays and spa treatments will be up for grabs at one of the biggest events in the London calendar.

Please find information below for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s prestigious annual event COLLARS & COATS GALA BALL 2011:

EVENT: Collars & Coats Gala Ball

DATE: Friday, 11th of November, 2011

VENUE: Battersea Evolution, Chelsea Bridge Entrance, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ

ABOUT: The Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is organizing its prestigious annual fundraising event the COLLARS & COATS GALA BALL in the presence of the Home’s President, HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO.

This spectacular night of glitz, glamour and high octane entertainment will, once again, be one of the biggest events in London’s calendar, supported by a high end national press and broadcast campaign and media attendance. In line with the stature of the event, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball attracts an extremely distinguished and influential list of guests, spanning ultra-high net worth individuals, British Aristocrats, Royalty, FTSE 100 corporates, VIPs and socialites, public figures and A-List international celebrities from film, music, art, literature, popular culture and sports, making the event an excellent corporate hospitality and networking occasion.

Last year Catherine Tate, Amanda Holden, Alexandra Burke, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, Roger Daltrey CBE, Brian May, Roger Taylor, Patti Russo, Craig Revel Horwood, Jeremy Hackett, and Mark Foster were among the high profile guests who helped to raise vital funds to help the home continue it’s work with stray, abandoned and neglected animals(please see attached images). Previous attendee’s and supporters include Simon Cowell and Dame Judy Dench.

Limited tables and bespoke brand sponsorship opportunities available.

TICKET/TABLES: Silver Package: £3500 for a table of 10. (individual tickets at £350)

Gold Package: £5000 for a table of 10. (Individual tickets at £500)

Platinum Package: £10000 for a table of 10. (Individual tickets at £1000)

TO BOOK: Sterling Media: Tel: 020 7801 0077. Email: natasha@sterlingmedia.co.uk

Alexandra Burke sparkles in purple: Hit {Fashion}

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Alexandra screams elegance in this fitted dress, the bright colour keeps the look modern while complimenting her skin tone. Her chic ‘do compliments the outfit perfectly and she’s wisely kept accessories to a minimum. Good work Alex!

 

Alexandra Burke struggles with dress

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Alexandra Burke struggles to preserve her modesty on a night out in London. The singer ‘s elegant look was compromised somewhat when her dress rode up as she exited her car. Love the hair though Alex!

 

Sir Richard Branson and friends party at The Roof Gardens to celebrate 30 years on top in London

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Last night Sir Richard Branson hosted an 80’s extravaganza at The Roof Gardens to celebrate 30 years as one of the top clubs and venues in London.

Famous faces including Princess Beatrice, Jimmy Carr, Alexandra Burke, Sarah Harding and friends were treated to a fun packed evening including a variety of live music – which included a fantastic performance from The Overtones and an amazing DJ set from 80’s legend Boy George. Guests also enjoyed a roller disco and to round off the evening, a spectacular fireworks display with views across London

.

As part of the celebrations a live charity auction was held helping to raise money for Trekstock – a charity which aims to raise awareness of cancer in young people. Some of the brilliant auction items included a fabulous trip for two to Necker Island and a studio session with Mark Ronson and Daniel Merriweather.

It was an evening of double celebration as Babylon, the award-winning restaurant at The Roof Gardens; also celebrated its 10th birthday and regular guests were invited to a delicious dinner before joining the party downstairs.

For the past three decades, the venue which is also part of the Virgin Limited Edition luxury portfolio, has entertained and enchanted Londoners and visitors from around the world with its 1.5 acres beautiful gardens, its exclusive private members nightclub and the award-winning Babylon Restaurant.

Sir Richard Branson commented: “I am thrilled that we are celebrating owning The Roof Gardens for 30 years, I can’t believe how time flies! This evening has really celebrated everything the venue has to offer and was a fantastic way to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years.”

Save the Children Launch ‘No Child Born to Die’

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David Beckham mentioned Save the Children’s No Child Born to Die on his Facebook page, reaching over seven million people. Piers Morgan and Stephen Fry, Alexandra Burke and Emma Freud twittered about it. Simon Cowell has backed the campaign, so has Helena Bonham Carter. The UK’s biggest names in show business, sport and journalism lined up to back Save the Children’s new campaign today – No Child Born to Die – which aims to save millions of children’s lives.

At the launch event for Save the Children’s No Child Born to Die campaign this morning:

* Alexandra Burke revealed she was “Born to Believe” and told how she was so moved by her trip to Haiti with Save the Children in 2010, that: “It was really heartbreaking…it opened my eyes up to many things..seeing what was going in Haiti and how it can be stopped…even if you put in £1 or £10 , it can make a difference. ”

* Edith Bowman – whose passionate belief in the cause was sparked by speaking to mums and children in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo , told Save the Children she was “Born to Talk…but about serious issues.” She said: “It just seems a ridiculous the number of children to be losing their lives in this day and age.”

* Amanda Mealing – who was “Born to Perform” told the launch event in central London about a newborn baby in Bangladesh who had died of septicaemia because its umbilical cord had been cut with “a sharpened bamboo stick”. She added: “I know that if I forego my one takeaway coffee a day, and (donate the money), it can make a real difference.”

* Natasha Kaplinsky who visited the Delhi slums with Save the Children earlier this month to see our life-saving work said she was “Born to Love, Learn and eat Fudge”.

Quotes from other celebrities backing Save the Children’s campaign:

* Piers Morgan announced he was ‘Born to Irritate’
* Actress Brenda Blethyn was ‘Born to Sing’ but reveals she’s never got round it.
* England footballer, Frank Lampard, is ‘Born to Play Ball’.
* Hugh Dennis is ‘Born to see Life from a Funny Angle’
* TV Presenter Dr Hilary is ‘Born to tell bad medical jokes’
* TV presenter Sarah Beeney was ‘Born to Laugh’
* Spooks star Hermione Norris confesses to being ‘Born to eat sweets’.

* Dr Abhay Bang, whose pioneering community-based methods reduced child mortality by an astonishing three quarters in 39 villages in India told the launch that empowering village women was one of the keys to success: “If you open a window of knowledge, the skills are in her hands, the knowledge is in her head, the equipment is on her shoulder, and the compassion is in her heart, she literally becomes a mobile health clinic.”

* Justin Forsyth, Chief Executive of Save the Children, said at the launch event in central London :“It is shocking in this day and age that 4000 children a day are dying of something as simple as diarrhoea or pneumonia: what a senseless waste of young lives.” He added: “We know what works, the tragedy is that just when we are beginning to make progress we risk slowing down. Our rallying cry is No Child Born to Die. We can end this massive loss of life. That is why we need every family, up and down the country to get involved…In five year’s time, we want to look back on 2011 as a turning point in the battle against child deaths.”

To sign up and show your support for the campaign visit www.savethechildren.org.uk/bornto. There you will find more information about ‘No Child Born to Die’, ways to get involved and real life stories of hope. Or Text I WILL TO 64118 (standard rates apply).