November 2006

Pencil us in! Christmas, winter and New Year features, topics and interviews
We are at your service!

There are over three million vegetarians in the UK and over 30 per cent of the population are actively reducing their meat intake. Vegetarianism is BIG news – whether it is a controversial story in the press on meat production, or a quirky story on a famous veggie!

With Christmas just around the corner why don’t you book us in for a chat on the latest hot topic with a veggie related angle? It could be a discussion on food, nutrition/health, ecology, farming, dwindling fish stocks, eating habits, young people/obesity, school dinners, famous veggies – the list goes on.

As producers, presenters and researchers up and down the country will agree, our select team spokespersons are entertaining and knowledgeable. We make good radio!

TOPICS, INTERVIEWS, IDEAS:

• Call us if you think there is a veggie angle on a hot story/theme – meat-free Christmas, New Year Resolutions (giving up meat for 2007), hangover cures for the New Year (we have quite a few), winter dining.

• Controversial news stories: We have media-trained spokespeople who can talk to your listeners’ from a different angle on issues like our “Cut out the fish” campaign, BSE, bird flu, farming practices, food standards and vegetarian nutrition.

• We can provide you with veggie celebrities for talk shows – give us plenty of notice and we will be happy to help.

• Freebies – we can provide your listeners with free info and recipe booklets completely free of charge!

Don’t forget our latest free Christmas recipe booklet

SAINTS AND SINNERS… http://www.vegsoc.org/christmas

FEATURE IDEAS:

• Stop eating fish – you don’t need it to be healthy and you’ll be helping the oceans’ fish stocks!
• Christmas lunch for under 1000 calories – no need to pile on the pounds over the festive season – we’ll tell you how.
• Fab festive lunch … without the turkey? Yes!
• Saint or Sinner? Which one are you at Christmas?
• Feeding your veggie Christmas guest – the easy way!
• Food poisoning – highest rates at Christmas. Avoid it and go veggie!
• Give up meat for 2007 – 20 reasons why its such a great choice to make

For interviews on these and a host of other topics, call out press officer, Collette Walsh 0161 925 2012 collette@vegsoc.org

Notes for editors

• Take a look at ‘Saints and Sinners’ recipes by clicking on: http://www.vegsoc.org/christmas/2006/index.html If you require high resolution images contact the press office. Recipes may be pasted directly from the website.

• For more general information, further ideas and images, contact Collette Walsh in The Vegetarian Society Press Office on 0161 925 2012

• Out of hours: 07973 108 165/7

• The ‘Saints and Sinners’ free recipe booklet is available now. Order your free copy by calling The Vegetarian Society on 0161 925 2000.

• The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as a person who eats no meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea. Vegetarians also avoid the by-products of slaughter such as gelatine or animal rennet in cheese. The Society only approves products containing eggs when they are free-range.

• Date for your diary:
National Vegetarian Week 2007 will take place from 21st - 27th May.