TODAY IS ASH WEDNESDAY...

Today is Ash Wednesday which means it's the first day of Lent. Its official name is 'Day of Ashes', so called because of the practice of rubbing ashes on one's forehead in the sign of a cross.

It marks the first day of fasting, repentance, prayer and self-control. Luxury or rich foods such as meat and dairy are often avoided by those taking part in Lent. Also abstention from personal 'bad habit's such as watching television or eating too much sugar is also commonly practised.

ENGLAND V SCOTLAND THE BIG DEBATE...

According to the International Business Times    back on May 1^st, 2014 both the British and Scottish flags were flying outside the Lloyds Banking Group's Scottish headquarters in Edinburgh.

I was just wondering if this is still the same today.

I guess I also need to wonder is if by Friday I need to change the name of this blog? ….

All we can do is wait and see.  

BRITAIN'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONTH IN OCTOBER...

According to http://www.national-awareness-days.com/ this October we are being asked to Make A Difference.

The event is organised by the Community Service Volunteers (CSV), a volunteering and training charity.   Founded in 1962 they aim to help our society by encouraging people to volunteer to create happy, healthy communities!

In 2010 they were recognised as the winner of The Charity Awards following the hard work put into the Volunteers in Children Protection that gave support to 130 families affected by neglect and abuse.

CSV train over 12,000 young people every year, building their skills and giving them confidence.  Especially at a difficult time, this is CSV’s way of making sure everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Do you look after your community?   A big emphasis is put on our environment and what you could do to preserve it.   What should we be preserving?  Green spaces, old buildings that are a part of Britain’s history ... what about protecting habitats for our wildlife?
 
Make A Difference is the biggest event of its kind, encouraging thousands of people across the UK to take part in voluntary work.   At the official Make A Difference website you can find out everything you need to know to get involved.

If you want to set up your own activity they have lots of resources, help and advice to get you started.   Schools, universities, friends and workplaces can get involved, or you can simply volunteer for one of the thousands of projects happening across the country - details of which can be found on the site.

31 days and 31 ways
Each day of October our intrepid volunteers and brilliant partners are going to help us to provide inspiration so we will all get up, get going and get active.

Whatever your passion, whenever you have time and where ever you are – we're working with some of the nation's favourite charities to showcase the ways that you can volunteer in your community.

Everyone can make a difference

From stories of first-time volunteers, words of wisdom from volunteering veterans, and how-to guides from charity partners our 31 ways will showcase how easy it is to get involved with the community and how great it feels to make a difference.

In the meantime, as we gather momentum for an exciting October of volunteering, this will be your place to find out how to get involved and help us inspire others to take part.

How can you make sure you keep up to date with our Make a Difference month?

This your chance to try something different and get hands-on with your local community, so why not give it a go?

COULD THIS BE TRUE (BLOGGERS)?...

COULD THIS BE TRUE (BLOGGERS)?...

'No one but a blockhead writes,

except for money'.

Samule Johnson

What about for pleasure and companionship?

THE RETURN OF DOWNTON ABBEY...

I can't wait for return of one of my favourite programmes, the British period drama series 'Downton Abbey',written and created by actor and writer Julian Fellowes, and based around the early 1900's and filmed in the Stately home of the Earl and Countess of Grantham.

You cannot help but think of how life was around that time where 'the table' was an important setting, the focus of much of the social life of that period.

Guests were invited to teatime where important rituals helped to reinforce a family's wealth and social standing.

Dinner parties were held to show off their daughters with all the social skills and foibles of the time.

Teatime, sometimes immediately followed on from dinner (now lunch-time). Some of the breads you could choose from were wholemeal bread, cheese bread, soda bread and crumpets. Then there were lots of different types of scones followed by unusually named cakes like, Surly Curd Tart, which included one teaspoon of Epsom salts in its recipe!!! Cherry cake was very fashionable at this time as well as 'boiled' Fruit cake and of course a large choice of home made jams.

You can follow them on twitter http://twitter.com/#!/DowntonAbbey or online http://www.itv.com/dramapremieres/downtonabbey/

FAMOUS BRITISH HAPPENINGS IN AUGUST...

Did you know that on the...

1st August 1774,(230 years ago)the English scientist Joseph Priestley discovered 'dephlogisticated air' (later known as oxygen).

4th August 1914, (90 years ago) Britain declared war on Germany and World War 1 began.

3rd August 1924,(80 years ago) Joseph Conrad, the Ukrainian-born English novelist died.

5th August 1729,(275 years ago) Thomas Newcomen, the English engineer and inventor of he atmospheric steam engine died.

5th August 1984,(20 years ago) Richard Burton, the welsh actor died.

9th August 1979,(25 years ago)Britain's first nudist beach opened in Brighton.

8th August 1974,(30 years ago) Richard Nixon resigned as the US president after being threatened with impeachment for his part in the Watergate Scandal.