Take Me to Church...

I have previously posted about British Cathedrals, and also about the oldest surviving schools in the UK.  This time, I will cover some of the oldest Churches and Church buildings.

Voices of Racing...

Today's post is going to be a tribute to a number of individuals who were - or at least their voices were - a big part of my life when I was growing up.  Horse-racing has long been a staple of British TV, regularly being shown live, year-round, and the well spoken and very gentlemanly commentators are totally unique.

The main reason for this post is yesterday's passing of one of the true commentating greats...

A Visit to the Blackpool Winter Gardens...

Yesterday saw the final of the Professional Darts Corporation's World Matchplay, in the lovely seaside town of Blackpool.  Having competed in the event myself a number of times, I do feel that the historic Winter Gardens is perhaps the greatest darts venue ever.

With regard to the tournament itself, it has proved one of the most successful for British players.  In its 22-year history, only twice has the winner come from outside the UK, and on both occasions, the losing finalist was English.

Surrounded by a Ring of Fire...

So far, I haven't posted as much about the two World Wars as I had intended.  In fact, I haven't posted about WWII at all!  So, here is one of the many fascinating documentaries about the one aspect of war which is closer to me than any - the London Blitz.  I say that because it was something that my parents and grandparents had to endure - and thankfully, they all survived.

22nd July...

Today is the 203rd day of 2015, and is the anniversary of many events.  Here are some of the events that have happened on this day in history.  Of course, they are related to Britain and the British in some way!

Baggy Trousers, Dirty Shirt...

You are used to me posting music videos on here, I know, and most - so far - are from the 60's and 70's.  Today, I will focus on one of my absolute face bands - Madness!  Americans mostly know them for Our House, which was one of only three (two of them were minor chartbusters) hits on this side of the pond.  To the British, though, they are legendary...

Tee for Two...

You have probably guessed that today's offering is about the wonderful sport of golf.  As the second day of play at the 2015 British Open approaches, it seems a good time to publish some facts and statistics about the event...

Black Day in July...

The title of today's post comes from a Gordon Lightfoot song, which he wrote about the 1967 riots in Detroit.  Of course, this post has nothing to do with that, but refers to one of the worst days in the history of Welsh mining.  Today - the 15th of July - is the anniversary of not one, but two terrible events in south Wales...

A Bit Wet and Windy...

I am sitting here today, as the rain lashes down, and the thunder rumbles overhead, and the weather gave me the idea for today's topic.  Britain is in a temperate zone, and the weather isn't generally as extreme as other parts of the world.  We have, however, had our share of big storms over the years.

To Complete the Set...

Following on from recent videos of popular singers from Scotland and Wales, it's time to take a musical trip to Northern Ireland.  Here are another three offerings...

Songs from the Valleys...

A couple of weeks ago, I posted some videos of songs by Scottish singers.  Today we are going way out west, and will listen to some Welsh artists.

The First - and the Last...

A confusing title, I admit, but a young man by the name of Edwin Bush can lay claim to at least two events of historic significance,  I won't pretend they are good, though, as you will soon discover...

Still on the Distaff Side...

Oh well, not a good week for British women...  The footy team lost a heartbreaker to Japan in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, and Heather Watson gave away three-game lead in the final set  of her third round clash against Serena Williams at Wimbledon an hour or so ago...

Anyway, here are a list of some notable individual sporting achievements by British women (post-war period only)...

On the Distaff Side...

With England's footballers just a few hours away from the Women's World Cup Semi-Final against Japan, I thought it would be a good time to look at the structure of English women's footy.  The National Team has broken new ground this World Cup, as they had never before won a knockout match in the event.  Now they are one game away from the final!

Despite the new-found success, women's football has been popular in the UK for quite a few years now. with some familiar club names - and some not-so familiar ones - competing at the top level of the English game.