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
London’s West End lights up for Christmas. Back in 1948, Regent Street started being lined with Christmas trees throughout the festive period. The following year part of the street was lit for Christmas. The first full Christmas light display of the street started in 1954, although there were no Christmas lights from 1972 to 1977 due to a lack … More Christmas lights
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
I found a few suggestions for things to put on your bucket list online and decided to see how many I had done already, how many I still had to do and how many I was never going to attempt. Just because someone else wants to bungee jump at the Grand Canyon doesn’t mean it … More Things to Add to Your Bucket List
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
Just when you think things are working out, life throws you a curveball Every so often life throws you a curveball. Something that comes out of nowhere to seriously mess things up. And occasionally that “something” that knocked you down is followed by “something else” that gives you a good kicking while you are trying to get … More Keep looking for the gin to go with your lemon
Have you dreamt of receiving a letter telling you you’re really a witch or wizard and you’ve just been admitted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? As Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the primary setting for the first six books in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, is a fictional British school of magic this remains a dream. Or does … More The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
How would you like to create a mini adventure? Time to plan something small that is different to your normal routine! And remember it’s more fun to share the adventure, so find someone to share the experience with you. Choose an activity or challenge Do something you’ve never done before. Set yourself a challenge or … More Have a mini adventure