In Memoriam 2015 (Part Two)...

We continue on from Monday's post, remembering some notable Britons who sadly passed away during the last year.

In Memoriam 2015 (Part One)...

So, 2016 is fast approaching for most of us, but there are many who won't be around to see the New Year.  Here is the first of two posts remembering some of those Britons who passed during 2015.

Wishing You...

... a very Merry Christmas!  As usual, I can't let the moment escape without another musical offering from the season of goodwill.  Here is another classic...

I Believe...

With Christmas just two days away, we return to look at some more wonderful British seasonal hits of years past.  After the Glam Rock posts of last week, you will find these a little more sedate!

Tragedy in Lancashire...

Today, the 21st of December, will always be remembered for the terrible tragedy that occurred in 1988, when Pan Am flight 103 was blown apart in the skies over Lockerbie, Scotland.  A total of 270 people lost their lives due to a terrorist bomb.

However, this incident overshadows two more tragic events.  What is particularly sad is that the disasters occurred in the county of Lancashire, no more than 30 miles apart.

When the Snowman Brings the Snow...

Keeping with the musical sentiments of the Christmas season, here is an offering of a slightly different kind..  Drifting away from classical and traditional fare, I thought it would be good to post some more modern tunes; tunes that have become just as familiar as carols in the UK at this time of the year.

On the River Cam...

... lay the beautiful King's College.  Founded in 1441 by Henry VI, it is a constituent college of Cambridge University.  One of the most notable features of the college is the chapel, which is a superb example of late Gothic English architecture.

Born Upon This Day...

Today, 14th December, has been the birthdate of many British notables.  Again, you probably won't be familiar with too many of these, but here a a few...

'Tis the Season - Again...

Christmas is coming - and I haven't posted any seasonal videos yet!  With the big day being just two weeks away, it seems like a good time to start.

Third Round Draw...

So, the big day is here, the draw for the third round of the F.A. Cup!  As I have explained previously, this is where the big guns of the top two tiers (Premier League and Championship) of English football join the twenty teams from the lower divisions who have made it this far.

German - English and Welsh...

Another typically - and deliberately - obtuse title, it should soon become clear.  The "German" is Sir Edward German.  German (1862-1936) was an English composer, born in the town of Whitchurch, Shropshire.  Although English, he was of Welsh ancestry (the family name was Jones).

The World's Worst Trumpet Player...

...is how Marty Feldman once described himself.  Still, despite harbouring dreams of becoming a great jazz trumpeter, Feldman became a household name in the field of comedy.  It seems a little unfair, though perhaps understandable, that he is best remembered for his role as Igor - "It's pronounced EYE-gor" - in the Mel Brooks classic, Young Frankenstein.

Scottish Greats...

With today being St. Andrew's day, a post focusing on those "north of the border" (no, not the Canadians!) seems very appropriate.  So, returning to one of my favourite subjects - footy - I will run through some of the greats who have represented their country.

Blaenavon Iron and Steel Company...

Tomorrow is 28th November.  On Wednesday, 28th November, 1838, the town of Blaenavon, Gwent (then Monmouthshire) in South Wales suffered a terrible tragedy.  Mining accidents were not rare in those days, but this one was a little different.  There was no explosion.  There was no cage accident.

A Ghost Village...

Tucked away in a sleepy corner of Dorset is the abandoned village of Tyneham.  The story of the village's history is fascinating, but perhaps not as well known as it should be.

Blue is the Colour...

... of a number of round plaques found across Britain.  They are markers indicating a location of historical significance, or more usually, denoting a link between a particular location, and a noted person who lived or worked there.  These plaques, often erected by English Heritage, but also by other various organisations, can refer to individuals from all walks of life.

Happy Birthday to...

...an impressively long list of Britons, some of whom may be familiar to you, but probably not too many!  There was one strange little coincidence I noticed, but more about below.

Poetry of Northumberland...

Over the past months, I have published poetry from - and about - various parts of the British Isles, sometimes in a local dialect.  This time, we will look at a couple of poems, and poets, from the county of Northumberland.

Remembrance Day...

To mark the anniversary of the end of "The Great War", known today as "Remembrance Day", here is a fascinating, yet very thought-provoking video.

F.A. Cup First Round...

I have made a number of previous posts regarding the Football Pyramid, and non-league clubs in England and Wales.  This last weekend (including one game tonight) saw the first round - or first round proper, as it is often called - of the F.A.Cup.  This is where the thirty-two remaining non-league sides (after all the preliminary and qualifying rounds have been completed) join the forty-eight clubs from the lower two tiers of the Football League.

Shetland Helicopter Disaster...

Twenty-nine years ago today, on 6th November, 1986, there was a terrible tragedy in Scotland's Shetland Islands, when a helicopter carrying workers from an area oilfield plunged into the sea just short of the airstrip.

Arnold Cooke...

,,,was born in Gomersal, West Yorkshire, on this day in 1906.  Cooke developed an interest in music at an early age, and in 1933, was appointed a professor at the the Royal Manchester College of Music.

The Garden of England...

I have made a couple of previous visits to the county of Kent (often referred to as "The Garden of England), but both post centred on the historic city of Canterbury.  This time, we will take a quick look at some of the smaller towns and villages around the county, and some things you may not have known.

A Mixed Bag of Music...

Firstly, I would like to apologise for the lack of posts this week.  I have been out of the country, and although I had hoped to carry on as normal, it just didn't happen.

Anyway, with today being 30th October, here are three offerings of music - completely different genres, I must add - that all have associations with this very day.

The Peak District...

A couple of days ago, I was running through some interesting place names.  Several of these locations were in Derbyshire's Peak District.  So, as one of of the most popular tourist spots outside of London, I think it would be nice to have a better look at the area.

Learning Some ABC's...

I wasn't quite sure what to call this post, as it's a little unusual.  Okay, so what's new?  You can probably tell I have a penchant for interesting and unique place names, so here is another batch, but with a common theme - or two themes, actually!

English Football Team Names (Part Two)...

Carrying on from where I left of last week, here are some more unusual footy team names!

I Vow to Thee My Country...

You may be wondering just what today's post is about, although you probably suspect some sort of patriotism.  Well, if that's what you think, you would be correct!  More precisely, though, this is a musical interlude - of patriotic British tunes!

English Football Team Names (Part One)...

Last year, I published about some of the more unusual team names in Scottish football.  This time, it is the turn of the English.  None of the teams mentioned here are currently competing in the Football League itself, but are all active in regional and local league play.  They are also all members of the Football Association, and played in the Preliminary Round of the 2015-16 F.A.Cup.

Bridging the Gap...

One architectural feature of Britain that is very under-rated (in my honest opinion) is the good old bridge!  Of course, foreigners know about Tower Bridge, the Severn Bridge etc, but we do have a lot more than that - in a remarkable variety of materials and designs.  Here a few that you might not be familiar with...

The Orkney Islands...

...are an island group of the northeast coast of the Scottish mainland.  There are some 70 islands, of which the largest - quite confusingly - is called Mainland!  There are another 19 inhabited islands in the group.  The administrative centre of the Orkneys is Kirkwall, which has a population of approximately 3,300.

A Rural Retreat...

Time for some more poetry, I think.  This offering, however, will not refer to specific places or areas of the UK, but to one of the most wonderful aspects of British life - the countryside!  Here are a couple of short poems for your enjoyment!

The British Final...

We return to my favourite sport - speedway!  The British Final (given its full name of the British Speedway Championship) has been held annually since 1961.  A number of different venues have been used, although you will see that some tracks did become established as regular hosts.  Until the mid-1970's, the event did include Australians and New Zealanders, who also represented Great Britain in international team fixtures.

Dangerous Moonlight...

...was a 1941 British film, starring Anton Walbrook.  One of the all-time classic British war movies, it was released in the USA as Suicide Squadron.  However, it is probably best remembered for a truly great piece of music, The Warsaw Concerto.

28th September...

...is the 271st day of the year.  With just 94 days left until 2016, we will have a look at some of the events that have occurred on this day in history.

Snowdonia - in Technicolor...

Time to pop back to the wonderful nation of Wales.  Here is a wonderful documentary about one of the most beautiful regions of the country - Snowdonia and the north-west.  This film dates to 1945.

Cruising Down the River...

Today we will look at some of the many rivers found in England.  Despite being just a relatively small island, there is an incredible number of rivers and streams found around Great Britain.  While not on the same scale as many in North America, or even Europe, English rivers have long played an important role in the life of the locals.  This is particularly noticeable when you look at the amount of "port" and "mouth" towns dotted around the coast.

You're 'aving a Laugh, Mate!!!

Today's chosen subject is the wonderfully unique world of British comedy!  Without wishing to appear too biased, I will say that British comedy - particularly television comedy - is the best in the world!

Marble Arch Underground Station...

Firstly, I'd just like to apologise for not posting yesterday, but I was busy, and wasn't able to get around to it.  Secondly, I didn't think it was that important, as today is actually the seventy-fifth anniversary of a particularly sad event.

Do I Detect a Theme?

Of course I do!  By that, I mean "theme" as in "theme music".

I've recently been watching/listening a music channel on television, called "Easy Listening"; it's basically a collection of mellow instrumentals, but the really weird thing is that, despite being in the US, it plays mostly British music!  What makes it even better is that I am so familiar with both the artists and the tunes.  Here are some examples of what I have been hearing...

9th September in Scotland and Wales...

I make frequent posts on here about accidents down the mines of Great Britain, usually involving a heavy loss of life.  While today's offering doesn't involve any major incidents with victims in double or triple figures (obviously, any loss of life can be considered a disaster), it does show that the 9th of September has seen an unusually high number of accidents.

This is a grim reminder just how dangerous the industry could be.

South of the Solent...

...is the lovely county of the Isle of Wight.  The only island county in England, it is also - strangely enough - the only county I have never visited!  What makes that particularly surprising is that it really so close to Surrey, and the fact that I have so much time all along the south coast!

League Update...

I know I am a day later than usual, but I just wanted to include another Saturday's action!  Yes, it's time for my first post of the footy season!  The league is now a month old, and while there's a long way to go, it is starting to take shape.

How Novel...

I know people tend not to read as much as they used to, but there are some great British novels out there.  Not that I read much fiction, I know, but if you want a good read, here are some of the best British novels of all time...

Wet and Warm...

Sometimes I learn from the posts I make, and today is no exception!  Usually, I take a subject about which I am familiar, and figure out the details I want to discuss.  Other times, I just think of something totally off-the-wall, which is what you will see now...

More Sweets for My Sweet...

A couple of weeks back, I made a post called "Sweets for My Sweet", which was all about British confectionery.  The title this time refers to the debut single by the English band, The Searchers, which topped the UK charts in 1963.

Where Does That Come From?

It's time to return to one of my fave subjects - food!  Of course, these will all be British foods, but geographically, I will be much more precise than just calling these items and dishes "British".  It is amazing just how many regional foods there are, considering how small the island of Great Britain really is, and here are just a few!

The Shoreham Tragedy...

This really isn't what I had planned for today, but in view of Saturday's tragic events in Sussex, I felt there was little choice.  In case you haven't seen or heard anything about it, here is a brief account...

Way Out West...

Not the "Wild West", or indeed, anywhere in the western United States!  Today, we we look at one of England's "less-fashionable" counties, so to speak.  A wonderfully rural county, full of rolling hills, fields, and other areas outstanding areas of natural beauty, I am talking about...

Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed...

It has been a while since I have published any poetry.  So far, the poetic offerings have not included any about Wales, and while this is not ABOUT Wales, it was written by the man considered to be the greatest of all Welsh writers and poets.

Dance With Me...

Not the fabulous song from Orleans, but a trip across the Atlantic to hear one of Sir Malcolm Arnold's best-loved offerings.

Sweets for My Sweet...

The Americans use the term "candy", while the British call them "sweets".  That includes chocolate, toffee, boiled sweets ("hard candy"), all manner of mints, liquorice (yes, that is the English spelling), and whatever else you can think of.  Yes, we love our sweets!

The Smiling Vampire...

Okay, after the comments I made on here last Friday, you are probably wondering where I am going with this!  Well, it does continue the theme of "vampires", though not in the legendary sense.  While those kind creatures don't - or PROBABLY don't - exist, it is true that some creatures DO exist that drink the blood of their victims.  What is worse, some of these are actually human...

Croglin Grange...

Leading up to the first post of next week (all will be revealed on Monday!), we will today look at one of the most famous vampire legends in Britain.

Can We Come In?

It is a well-known fact that the British have launched a number of invasions and attacks on other nations over the years.  It is also known that there have been a number launched against the British on home soil.  What you probably don't know is just how many!

Step Inside, Love...

It was less than two months ago - 8th June, to be exact - that I posted some videos as a tribute to some of the lovely girl singers of the 1960's.  Today, I return to this blog with a true tribute to one of the, who sadly passed away on Saturday.

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.

Those Were They Days...

Today is a day for memories.  I have been going through some stuff online, and looking at how the area in which I grew up has changed in recent years.  In particular, I have been checking out all the pubs, shops, businesses, and various other buildings that have disappeared - or at least, are not the places they once were - so here a few of the things I remember...

The Dark Streets of London...

As you know, I often publish historical posts on the anniversary of an event.  I have occasionally posted some a day or two prior to the anniversary.  Today, however, I will be going back a day to the 25th of June.  To the 25th of June, 1942 to be precise...

A Wee Song or Two...

Today we are going to take a little trip north o' the border!  The Scots are well known for their love of singing, and here are three Scottish legends who were household names when I was a lad...  The Kenneth McKellar video is a complete album.

22nd June...

...is the date today, and it is the 173rd day of 2015,  Here are some events that have occurred on this day over the years.  You will notice something quite unusual here; I have actually included an event that occurred within the last 24 hours!

Home, Sweet Home - continued...

Carrying on from the entertaining video I posted on Wednesday, I figured you might be interested in some more details about some of the houses and homes you will find in Britain.

Home, Sweet Home...

I think it's time for another visit to our friends at Anglophenia!  This time, we have a new presenter (Siobhan moved on to pastures new), but it is still the same old Anglophenia we know and love.

The Haggis...

I know I've described it before on here (and most of you probably know what it is, anyway), but a haggis is a traditional Scottish dish.  It is made from the heart, liver, and lungs of a sheep, mixed with oatmeal, onion, and spices, and cooked in a sheep's stomach.  Sounds yucky, I know, but it is pretty good!

In Your Element...

Chemical elements, that is!

Of all the chemical elements, more have been discovered (or co-discovered) by British scientists than by scientists of any other nation.  The British have discovered 23, ahead of Sweden and Germany (both 19), and the USA and France (both 17).

Ferndale Colliery Disasters...

The small town of Ferndale is located in the heart of Welsh mining country in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales.  Ferndale was the very first community in the valley to be truly industrialised, when the first of nine coal mines was sunk in 1857.  Together, these nine mines made up Ferndale Colliery.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun...

We start the week on a musical note.  I've covered some of the stuff from the back in the day, and will do so again now.  However, this post is going to concentrate on some of the wonderful British female vocalists of the 1960's.  Even though I was only a kid, it was certainly a great era...

Letter by Letter...

Just as it is in the United States, Great Britain is home to all manner of abbreviations and acronyms.  Sometimes these are relatively uncommon to Americans, but they can also be known over here, just for something totally different.

For instance, in the US, AFC means the American Football Conference.  In Britain, it is also to do with football (REAL football!), as it is a term used in the name of a number of teams - Athletic Football Club.  Examples are AFC Wimbledon, and AFC Bournemouth.  Of course, it can also refer to Arsenal Football Club!

2nd June...

...is (as stated on Wikipedia) the 153rd day of the year,  Of course, in a leap year, it would be the 154th!  Here are some of the events that happened on this day - which just happens to be tomorrow.

Rye...

This is not about the grain!  One of the oldest and most picturesque villages in the south of England, the East Sussex port of Rye is always well worth a visit.  With cobbled streets, quaint pubs, and an old castle, it is a tourist trap, but is also very, very relaxing.

Say What???...

I have previously covered some of the language differences between British English and American English, but today I will be looking at some differences in pronunciation  It is not just inanimate objects either, but names and place names too.

The Folkestone Air Raids...

Your first thought will probably be that this is something that occurred in World War II.  However, this was a quite shocking event - unknown to many today - that happened way back in 1917.

In Memoriam (Part One)...

As you will have seen from my previous posts, my favourite sport is speedway - to Americans, that is motorcycle speedway.  500cc single cylinder machines with no gears and no brakes, hurtling around shale ovals...  One of the most popular spectator sports in Europe, it is a great spectacle, but sometimes, it can prove deadly.

Du holde Kunst...

It's okay, there's no need to be alarmed!  This is still going to be a British post, regardless of the German title!  "Du holde Kunst" is the opening line of Franz von Schrober's poem, An die Musik, and is the inscription on the headstone of Sir Clifford Curzon, CBE - about whom you will learn today...

Murder at Canterbury...

A while back, I posted a photo gallery of Canterbury.  Today, we have something a little more specific.

Thank U Very Much...

Time for a musical - and fun - interlude.  The title of today's offering was a song that reached Number 4 on the UK charts in 1967.  It was the first of three chart successes for the Liverpool comedy trio, The Scaffold.  The group comprised Roger McGough, John Gorman, and Paul McCartney's brother, Mike McGear.

The Valley Parade Fire...

A year ago today, my post concerned the assassination of the British Prime Minister, Spencer Perceval.  The 11th of May, however, is now generally remembered for a more modern tragedy - the fire at Bradford City's Valley Parade.

A Scottish Tenor...

Today we return to the world of classical music, and opera in particular, by looking at the life and career of Scottish lyric tenor, Joseph Hislop.

The Weekend's Events...

As most of you will know, Britain has a new Princess, the Princess of Cambridge.  Born to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana is understandably grabbing most of the headlines over there!  However, there were some other events from the last few days, particularly from the world of sport, but some were not so good, even tragic.  Here are a few of the items...

Pembrokeshire...

Pembrokeshire is the county in the extreme southwest of Wales.  A large peninsula, Pembrokeshire is a very picturesque county, and has some of the best beaches in Britain.  The largest town is Haverfordwest, with other major settlements including Pembroke, Milford Haven, Fishguard, and Tenby.

Torquil MacLeod and Ronnie Faed...

I am sure that the two names mentioned here won't mean anything to you.  However, considering the circumstances in which they lost their lives, it is sad that the young Scottish lads - and many others - have become forgotten over the last one hundred years.

Some British Animals...

Time for another visit to the video world of Anglophenia.  Here we will have a look at some of the creatures that are common in Great Britain, but not so in the United States.

The Holy Island...

Lindisfarne is a small island off the coast of Northumberland on the northeast coast of England, and is also known as Holy Island.  With a history dating back to at least the 6th Century, it was for many years an important centre of Celtic Christianity.

Football League Updates...

As promised last week, here are the weekend's updates from all the league action in England and Scotland.

And Now, the End is Near...

...the end of the footy seasons, that is!

As you will have seen, I am covering the Championship in most detail, as it is an absolutely enthralling end to the season.

A Child of the Troubles...

I have covered - albeit just a little - some of the political unrest in Northern Ireland over the last few decades.  Without adding anything, here is a poem :

London's Green Countryside...

Youtube is a fabulous website, and it's amazing how many little gems you can find on there, including things you never even knew existed!  Here is one such video.

Scottish Mining Accidents...

There have been no major British mining disasters on 10th April, but there have been a number of accidents in which lives have been lost.  Here are some that have occurred in Scottish mines...

Little Boy Blue...

Today's post is going to be my personal tribute to a legend of British sport, someone who inspired during my childhood.  It will come as no surprise to you to discover that the sport is speedway.  So, here is my tribute to Nigel Boocock.

Castles of Kent...

The county of Kent is a pleasantly rural part of the country, and is commonly referred to as "The Garden of England".  However, due to its proximity to mainland Europe, it has often been the first place of attack when invasions were planned.  As a result, Kent is also home to a number of castles and other fortifications.

The A6 Murder...

Fifty-three years ago tomorrow (4th April, 1962), James Hanratty was hanged at Bedford Jail, just north of London.  Hanratty was found guilty of the murder of Michael Gregsten, and the rape and attempted murder of Gregsten's mistress, Valerie Storie.  The case has caused much discussion

Up, Up and Away...

While most people know the major English airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester etc), there are a surprising number of airfields currently in use.  Here is a list of the main ones as recognised by the IATA (International Air Transport Association), who assign airport codes.  I have omitted military airbases, but don't be fooled; most are not used by major commercial airlines, and/or are privately owned.  Oh, and I will be covering airports across the rest of the UK later...

Victorian Valhalla......

Highgate is is one of the capital's most expensive - and most famous - suburbs.  In north London, bordering Hampstead Heath, it is a wonderfully historic and picturesque area.  However, this post focuses on on specific landmark.

Things to Come...

Things to Come was a film released in 1934.  Starring Raymond Massey, Ralph Richardson, and Cedric Hardwicke, the film was based on the book of the same name, written by H.G. Wells.  An incredible - and very thought-provoking - look at progress, I will undoubtedly cover the film in more detail at a later date.  This post will focus on the film's soundtrack

Dorset...

The only visit I have made previously here is a poetical one; this time, I am returning to show you some of the delight of this wonderful county in south-west England.  As a child, I spent many happy summer holidays travelling around Dorset.

The Championship Revisited...

Here I am with the promised updates from the weekend's action in footy's second tier.

Golden Square Shopping Centre...

Twenty-two years ago today, the town of Warrington in Cheshire, suffered the second of two IRA bombing attacks.  The first, on 26th February, 1993, saw a large explosion at a gas storage facility on Winwick Rd.  Despite extensive damage, there were no injuries.  The second one, almost a month later, was worse...

The Championship...

Not just any championship, you know!  No, it's the "Championship" that is the second tier of the Football Pyramid in Great Britain, the division below the Premier League.  With 22 of the 24 teams entering their last eight games of the season (Birmingham and Reading have nine to go), it promises to be one of the most thrilling finishes ever.  The top two qualify by right, with the third spot going to the winners of the four team playoffs (places 3-6).

London's Parks...

Of course, London is known for its busy streets and bustling nightlife, but there are also many places in the city to find peace and quiet.  The most popular of these are the many beautiful parks dotted around the area.

If I Had a Hammer...

No, this post is not going to be about the popular - if a little cheesy - even though though I do adore the lovely recording by the recently deceased Leonard Nimoy.  Today being Friday 13th, I thought it would be a very apt time to have a look at one of the truly great names in movie history...

Tea and Toast, and Brekkers...

My friends, it's time to take another dip into the ocean of British food and drink.  This time, however, we will not be looking at the differences between food and drink in the UK and US, but the differences in how we consume them.  Oh, and "brekkers" is slang for "breakfast", in case you hadn't figured that one out...

Burnden Park Disaster...

Today we take a look at a tragic event that for most, has been lost in time, but for the people of Bolton, is something that will never be forgotten.

Norham Castle...

Probably not as familiar to you as many other English castles, Norham Castle was actually very important historically.  Overlooking the River Tweed on the border between England and Scotland, it was one of the strongest border castles, and was attacked by the Scots more than any other.

England's Smallest County...

Nestled between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire is the tiny (18 miles by 17 miles) county of Rutland.  Although there are three smaller ceremonial counties (Isle of Wight, City of London, and City of Bristol), Rutland is the smallest historic county.  It is very rural, and in fact, only Oakham and Uppingham are officially classed as towns.

What Does It Mean? (Answers)...

So, it's time for the answers to the little quiz I posted the week before last.  I did receive correct answers for a couple of the terms, but that's all...

Moorgate Tube Crash...

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the worst ever accident involving a London Underground train.  I was only twelve years old at the time, but I remember it well.  It is incredible to think it is now forty years since that fateful day.

On The Western Front...

Time to travel back a hundred years, to the terrible days of WWI.  Here are some of the British poems of the era.

Neither Wilfred Owen nor Rupert Brooke survived the conflict, with Owen being killed in action just a week before the Armistice,  Brooke died from sepsis following a mosquito bite while sailing for Gallipoli with the British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.  Owen and Siegfried Sassoon were both decorated (Military Cross) for bravery.

The City of Dreaming Spires...

...is a term coined by the poet Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) to describe the city of Oxford.  The county town of Oxfordshire, it is the 52nd most populous city in the United Kingdom, and is 51 miles north-west of London.

What Does it Mean?...

It's been a while since I posted one of these, so here is another little quiz - mostly for the benefit of my non-British friends!  Here are a number of words and phrases commonly used in Britain (or they were common years ago), and I would like you to identify them and their meanings.

The Epsom Cluster (Part Two)...

Following on from Monday's post about the Epsom hospitals, here are some videos I have managed to unearth.  Sadly, there don't seem to be any actual documentaries available, as they would be truly fascinating.  We will have to make do with some urban exploration (unfortunately a little stagey in places, I must admit) before the wonderful old buildings were demolished.

The Epsom Cluster (Part One)...

Departing from the jolly postings of last week, today sees the first in a series of posts of a much darker nature.  Living in Surrey, I was literally surrounded by a number of psychiatric hospitals - or as they were commonly known back then, lunatic asylums.  I'm not sure of the reason behind the proliferation of such establishments in the area, but there were quite a few,

In particular, there was a group of hospitals near about 10 minutes away from where I lived.  I will be covering the hospitals in more detail later, but here is a brief overview of the "Epsom Cluster".

Friday Fun...

Seeing as today is the dreaded Friday 13th, I figured I would ease the tension with something light-hearted.  I have mentioned before about regional comedy and folk songs, so here is a small selection of fun music with a local and/or regional twist.,

Shut It, You Tart!...

I know I already posted this on my Facebook page, but really, it was too good not to share again!  Of course, this is not a complete collection of British accents, but there are far more than many non-Britons realise.

Cruising Down the River...

...the River Thames, that is.

With a total length of 236 miles, the Thames is the second longest river in the U.K.  Rising at Thames Head (quite appropriate, eh?) in Gloucestershire, it passes through Oxford, Windsor, and London, before entering the North Sea via the Thames Estuary (between the counties of Essex and Kent).

Munich Air Disaster...

Today is the 57th anniversary of one of the worst sporting disasters in history, when an aircraft carrying the Manchester Utd F.C. team crashed on take-off.  Twenty-three of the forty-four passengers and crew perished on that tragic day.

At the Bottom of the Garden...

Great Britain is home to some of the most wonderful scenery found anywhere in the world.  Much of this is found in the simple landscape of the garden, and here are some of the most beautiful public gardens you will ever see.

A Bag of M&M's...

I know what you are probably thinking, but this is not about the yummy candy.  Rather, it is just something a little peculiar that ran through my mind a few days ago.  It's simply a list (with small biographies) of British celebrities - past and present - from the entertainment industry, who just happen to have the initials "M.M."  Some you may know, but there are definitely a few you won't!

The Bogside Massacre...

All countries have historical events that they wish had never happened, and Great Britain is no different.  Also known as "Bloody Sunday", the Bogside Massacre is one of the less savoury episodes in British history.  On January 30, 1972, 14 civil rights protesters in Derry, Northern Ireland, were killed by soldiers of the British Army.

Happy Birthday, Jessica...

It's time to focus on one outstanding individual today, which is very appropriate seeing that it is her birthday!  So, I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to the lovely Jessica Ennis-Hill CBE, who has already secured her place among the all-time sporting greats.

The City...

This is not about the City of London, nor any other English City.  It is about Brechin City (nickname, "The City"), my adopted Scottish footy team.  Not one of the most successful or glamorous clubs, and certainly not a name mentioned alongside Celtic or Rangers, I just started following their fortunes as a young boy.

23rd January...

...is the 23rd day of the year, according to the Gregorian calendar!  It also means that Christmas is just 336 days away, so you had better get out and start your shopping!  In all seriousness, the day is also known for some other events in British history, and here are just some of them,..

On Top of the World...

No, this not a post about the American singing duo, the Carpenters, and it is not about those who have conquered Mt. Everest.  Contrary to popular belief (and a none-too-distinguished record, to be honest), British teams have actually succeeded in lifting World Cup titles in various sports!

The Silvertown Explosion...

Silvertown is an area of West Ham in East London, on the north bank of the River Thames.  In 1893, a chemical factory was built on the North Woolwich Rd by Brunner-Mond and Co. Ltd.  By the summer of 1915, WWI was well under way, and the British were suffering a severe shell shortage.

Music of the mid-70's...

I don't know why, but trying to think what to post today, this suddenly came to me...  Seeing that this is the first month of the year, it seemed an appropriate time to post the song January by Pilot.  That just led to include a  couple of other vids from that time.

I'll Have a Pint With You, Sir...

You will have noticed that British food and beverages are a recurring theme in this blog, but one thing I haven't covered yet is beer.  We have many different types of beer, but one of the most wonderful things is the actual name of the beer.  Forget boring names like "Miller Light" and "Angry Orchard", and have a look at some of these!

Ealing Studios...

One of the big names in British film and television production, Ealing Studios is the oldest continually working film facility in the world.  Situated in West London, the site has been in operation since 1902.  While not limited to humorous movies (few were made at the studios before WWII), the studios is best known for a series of post-war comedy films, known as the Ealing Comedies.

St. Robert's Cave...

Near the River Nidd in North Yorkshire is a small cave.  When I say "small", it is too small for a grown man to lie straight, yet it has a stone bed.  It was the home of Robert of Knaresborough (1160-1218), otherwise known as St. Robert, although never officially canonised.

Westminster Abbey...

One of the most iconic structures in London, Westminster Abbey has long been one of the "must-sees" on any tourist's list.  While there was previously a church on the site, construction of the current building was started in 1245.  Westminster Abbey has been home to coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals.

Towns and Villages (Part Two)...

A few months back, I treated you to some of the more unusual place names that are found in the British Isles.  Here is the second installment...

Up For The Cup...

Team sports are huge in both Britain and the United States, but one of the main differences is that in Britain, league and knockout formats are usually kept separate.  There may be playoffs to decide promotion and relegation issues (automatic in football and other sports), but league championships are one thing, and knockout cups another.  The greatest of all British cups is the F.A. Cup.