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Society Diary: Taylor Swift, charity sector top trumps and more

23 Feb 2024 Voices

Civil Society’s satirical columnist summarises the big stories in charity land this week... 

Taylor Swift

Wikimedia Commons, iHeartRadioCA

Happy Friday, dearest readers – but please spare a thought for the world’s oldest dog, who has been stripped of his Guinness World Record title.

What better way to cheer us up than a game of top trumps, charity sector edition?

In parliamentary questions this week, DCMS shadow secretary Thangam Debbonaire quoted NPC’s latest research on the amount charities are subsidising public contracts. 

Civil society minister Stuart Andrew did not take the comment sitting down and reminded the opposition that he had worked in the charity sector for 16 years, don't you know. 

In response, Debbonaire then mouthed “26” at him, the number of years she spent working in the sector.

This charity sector experience battle seemed to take precedence over the findings of the research. Diary, for one, is glad they are focusing on the important things. 

In other news, it is a busy time for the sector as it prepares for the upcoming general election. Thankfully, Donkey Sanctuary has released some stationery adorned with donkeys on it so you can keep yourself organised in a chic, animal-loving way. 

Carrots are top of the shopping list on the charity’s promotional photos, presumably because a donkey has broken its way into the stock rooms.

V&A seeks Taylor Swift expert

If you know Taylor Swift all too well, the Victoria and Albert Museum is seeking a “superfan” advisor to inform them about Swiftie lore.  

It would like insights into the Swifties fandom, as it has a blank space in its knowledge of the pop singer. See how many song references this has made Diary make now, V&A? Don’t blame me…

The V&A has already filled four superfan roles for Toby jugs, Lego, Pokemon cards and Gorpcore clothing. 

It is also seeking superfans of Crocs footwear, emoijs, drag and more. The roles will be paid a set rate per session and are part of the museum’s efforts to engage in more cultural niches. 

If this section is making you wonder, is it over now? The Taylor Swift references? Diary cannot promise anything. 

Bug cider

Buglife, a charity working to rehabilitate the UK’s bug population, has collaborated with Sheppy’s Cider for its 200th anniversary. 

The cider has the Buglife logo on its new anniversary edition label and a QR code that shoppers to scan to learn more about the partnership. 

Speaking of bugs, Sam Mendes has announced he will be making four biopics on the members of the Beatles. 

Speculation about which actors will play John, Paul, George and Ringo is now rampant on social media.

Some have suggested the cast of the Inbetweeners or Derry Girls, while others thought that the four men who went viral for wearing tight trousers outside Birmingham New Street would be up to the job. 

For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here.