How to spot when a London bridge is undergoing repair work

Having reached its third decade of use, the Millennium Bridge in London has been closed for repairs, maintenance and a thorough cleaning. I use the Millennium Bridge several times a week and its one of my favourite bridges if only for the amazing views it affords. There is also lots of miniature artworks that some… Continue reading How to spot when a London bridge is undergoing repair work

Penny for the Guy and other forgotten Guy Fawkes Night traditions.

Before we go anywhere, have you read my old post Remember, Remember The 5th Of November which explains all the glorious goings on behind Bonfire Night / Guy Fawkes Night or simple Fireworks night. If not, please do 🙂 and come back here afterwards. Bonfire night has changed a lot even from when I was little. … Continue reading Penny for the Guy and other forgotten Guy Fawkes Night traditions.

My home made Mulled Wine recipe

I always post a short or indeed Christmas post at this time of year and if you’d like to look at some earlier efforts before you make yourself a drink then be my guest. London as you’ve never seen it before… at Christmas with the voice of an Angel. Christmas through the ages When to… Continue reading My home made Mulled Wine recipe

First Footing at New Year

First Footing is still very much alive in modern Britain. A survey shows that nearly a third of people in Britain say that First Footing continues to play a part in their New Year celebrations. The greatest number of followers of the First Footing tradition (when the first person over your threshold after the clock… Continue reading First Footing at New Year

One ha’penny, two ha’penny, hot cross buns!

Hot Cross Buns are one of those delicious treats that you can have at Easter.  Until just a few years ago, they could only be found within a week or two of Easter but these days hundreds of millions are consumed from early Spring if not sooner. Hot Cross Buns are a primarily British culinary… Continue reading One ha’penny, two ha’penny, hot cross buns!

Queuing by the numbers

There are few things more British than queuing or Standing In Line as it is called in some places.  It’s often said that we will stand behind a queue of one and I’ve seen that quite a few times. It’s one of those characteristics like a stiff upper lip, a pot of tea, talking about… Continue reading Queuing by the numbers

8 Myths About Christmas Debunked

With 2,000 years of history behind it, Christmas has a lot of historical myths and baggage attached, both good and bad.  Now seems as good as time as ever to take a brief look at some of them. 1 Coca-Cola designed the modern Santa Claus as part of an advertising campaign This is one you always… Continue reading 8 Myths About Christmas Debunked

12th Night – Christmas isn’t over yet!

You might not realise it but today (or indeed yesterday depending on your calendar) is 12th night. In my street most of the Christmas decorations have been taken down with people and you could be forgiven for thinking Christmas is over if your Christmas revolves around spending money and the back to work depression has… Continue reading 12th Night – Christmas isn’t over yet!

2013 Annual Cheese-Rolling Race!

This past Bank-Holiday Monday saw the weird and wonderful calendar of oddball traditions and activities in Britain move to Coopers Hill in Gloucestershire.  Though the world media concentrates on sporting events such as Wimbledon, Badminton Horse Trials, Sailing, Formula 1 and The Open what most of us are interested in are much more low-key events… Continue reading 2013 Annual Cheese-Rolling Race!

The State Opening of Parliament and the Official Role of The Queen

Wednesday saw the annual State Opening of Parliament centred around the Queens Speech.  It is perhaps the key moment for the Queen in political life and in it she explains of the coming policies and proposed laws for the future year in a similar way to the State of the Union speech in the United… Continue reading The State Opening of Parliament and the Official Role of The Queen