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
At this time of year a lot of families make their annual trip to a pantomime. This form of family entertainment was developed in England, although it’s origins can be traced back to classical theatre. Performed throughout the United Kingdom during the Christmas and New Year season, the shows tell stories based on well-known fairy tales.… More Pantomime season…oh yes it is!
Antarctica Antarctica is the world’s fifth largest continent covering an area of around 14 million square kilometres that are virtually untouched by humankind. Much of it is blanketed by a vast permanent ice sheet, averaging 2,000 metres in thickness. The South Pole is the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth. It is also known as… More Exploring Antarctica
Eggnog Eggnog is traditionally made with milk or cream, sugar and whipped eggs, and brandy or rum. According to Wikipedia, Eggnog may have developed from the medieval drink made with hot milk and wine or ale called posset. Eggs were added to some posset recipes. The term “eggnog” was first used in 1775, when Maryland clergyman and philologist… More Festive Drinks