Barfly: Marketeers go mad for retro chic mail shot

THE Marketing Society always likes to keep us on our toes with its modern and ever-changing methods of catching our attention.

But it seems the organisation has gone all "retro chic" with its latest mail shot to promote a series of events celebrating the centenary of David Ogilvy, the original "Mad Man". Enclosed in a manila internal mail envelope, a memorandum (there was no such things as memos back then) printed in a font as if typed by an Olivetti is attached to a yellowed newspaper clipping, which has details of all the events. The only disappointment is it wasn't delivered by Joan Holloway in a slinky red dress.

On their bikes

STAFF at timber merchant James Donaldson are embarking on a 2,000km tour of the UK to raise 20,000 for charity. Setting out on 20 June, the riders will take in all 23 branches of the Fife-headquartered firm on the way. Retired employee and non-executive director Alan Sinclair has pledged to undertake the entire route in under three weeks, while chairman Neil Donaldson, below, is signed up to cycle two legs. Funds raised go to Columba 1400, a charitable enterprise which focuses on young folk from challenging backgrounds. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/TeamDonaldson.

Bruce rises to the challenge

BRUCE Cartwright, head of business recovery at PwC in Scotland, is used to being drafted in at the last minute to sort out troubled companies. But this month he's a last minute substitute for something else - the Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge. Cartwright, right, has joined a team called "8 hours or bust" for the event on 18 June, which will involve a 16-mile walk and a 39-mile cycle ride. With only three weeks to go, it's a tough ask to fit in the training but Cartwright seems confident he can turn it around in time. "I am delighted to say that the team target time has not been increased as a result of my joining which is surely a sign of confidence from my new team mates," he joked.