Approximately 10 million turkeys are eaten in the UK every year with 87 per cent of people choosing to serve traditional roast turkey at Christmas. Turkeys were first introduced to Britain from America over 500 years ago. Henry VIII was the first British King to enjoy turkey in the 16th century, although it was Edward VII who made eating turkey … More Turkey with all the trimmings
This time of year brings to mind those people that are most important. It’s a time when we send festive greetings to those who are dear to us. By how did the tradition of sending cards start? In 1843, Sir John Henry Cole was too busy to write personal holiday greetings, so he hired a … More Sending festive greetings to those who are dear to us.
Christmas in Bruges is a short story by Meadow Taylor Curl up with a good book this winter. Unlike a number of short stories,this one has a satisfying narrative arc. Good opening, middle and an ending that keeps you guessing where it’s going to conclude. Worth reading. It is available from Amazon. Plot Inspired by … More Curl up with Christmas in Bruges
This blog is taken from a newsletter I wrote in 2015 telling the story of how I came to be standing on the balcony of the Mansion House with the Lord Mayor of London as he took the salute at the Remembrance Day parade. ….And that is how I ended up on the balcony of … More Remembering Leonard Thirkettle
The International Day of Friendship is celebrated annually around the world on 30th July. It was set up by the United Nations in 2011 as the day when worldwide friendships are promoted. UN encourage the concept of friendships across diverse backgrounds and cultures. The aim is to promote the role that friendship plays in promoting peace in … More Celebrate Friendship on July 30
Where did Father’s Day start? The idea of celebrating Fathers day spread to the UK from America. Some people cite the a church sermon made in West Virginia, USA in 1908 in memory of 362 men killed in explosions at the Fairmont Coal Company mines. However, this was intended as a commemoration, not an annual holiday. Credit … More The History of Fathers Day
Wishing Everyone a Wonderful 2018 Let The Adventures Begin Happy New Year
When inviting friends to see in the new year over a few drinks, what drinks do you serve? Champagne, or other sparkling wine, to toast midnight, obviously. But how about a few other fun tipples. Gin Sloe gin can also be served as a Sloe Gin Fizz Royale – a dash of sloe gin in the bottom … More Drinks for New Year
Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom and is a holiday celebrated on the day after Christmas Day. It was a custom for people to give “Christmas boxes” to tradespeople after Christmas, thanking them for good service throughout the year. Samuel Pepys‘ mentions donating to his shoemaker’s Christmas box in his diary entry for 19 December 1663. This custom … More Boxing Day
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas