BARACK OBAMA AND HIS 'SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP' WITH THE UK....

How lovely it was to hear on the BBC News that US President Barack Obama has hailed his country's "special relationship" with the UK in a speech delivered at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

He thanked the UK for its solidarity since 9/11 and in tackling the security threats that followed.

He also paid tribute to the UK's military forces for "standing shoulder to shoulder with the US for decades".

The banquet was hosted by the Queen and attended by royalty, politicians and film stars.

THE FIRST BRITON TO GO TO SPACE...

15 years ago on May 18th 1991, Helen Sharman became the first Briton to go into space.

THE VERY BRITISH FOODIE FESTIVALS...

It's that time of year again when food festival are happening throughout the UK.

Some of the most popular ones are -

Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival - 17-19th June, www.garden-events.com/cheltenham

Henley Food Festival - 21/22nd May,www.foodiesfestival.com

Hampton Court Palace - 28-30th May,www.foodiesfestival.com

Bristol's Harbourside - 24-26th June,www.foodiesfestival.com

Tatton Park Manchester - 20-22nd May, www.foodiesfestival.com

Battersea Park, London - 24-26th June, www.foodiesfestival.com

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh - 12-14th August, www.foodiesfestival.com

South Park, Oxford - 27-29th August, www.foodiesfestival.com

Spring Tide Food Festival, Hive Beach, Burton, Bradstock - 21/22nd May, www.spring-tide.org.uk

Bath Coffee Festival - 21/22nd May,www.bathcoffeefestival.co.uk

English Wine Week - 29th May - 6th June, www.englishwineweek.co.uk

Artisan Cheese Fair, Melton Mowbray - 11-12th June, www.meltonbusiness.co.uk

BREAKFAST IN ENGLAND...

'To eat well in England you should have breakfast three times a day'.
W. Somerset Maugham