A BRITISH LIFE...

30 THINGS BRITISH PEOPLE SAY AND WHAT WE ACTUALLY MEAN...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 09:52:00 +0100

30 things British people say and what we mean beautifully illustrated on Pinterest.

A BRITISH LIFE ON PINTEREST...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Mon, 4 Jun 2018 20:24:00 +0100

A British Life board on Pinterest with lots more pins on living a British life.

A TOWN IN AMERICA WHERE THEY SPEAK ENGLISH...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Tue, 5 Sep 2017 11:39:00 +0100

There's a small American town 2,500 miles away from the Mexican border which has be designated English as its official language !! (Don't blame them, it's a lovely language).

'Jackson' is in New York state and has a population of 1, 700 of which most are white with just a handful of Spanish speaking farm workers.

But apparently inhabitants were determined to protect their English speaking heritage after condemning the federal government for not acting.

And although the town has no shops, schools or even a church all business must be conducted in English.

Another nearby town called Argyle (sounds more Scottish to me) has passed a similar resolution while another, Easton, will debate the issue next month.

Unfortunately even though supporters claim the moves high light support for curbing immigration and preserve the culture which many fear is under threat in some states, the New York Civil Liberties Union wants the laws all to be repealed.

THE BRITISH WEATHER....

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Sat, 2 Sep 2017 15:14:00 +0100

What is it about us Brits that we are so obsessed with the weather.

Every time we go into a shop we comment on the weather, we chat about it on the phone, while out walking a dog, over dinner in a Restaurant. In fact, we just don't stop talking about it. A survey has shown that we spend nearly six months just 'talking' about the weather.

Apparently the British in particular are obsessed with the English weather.

It's one of the most common ways to start a conversation, and I feel sorry for the check-out staff at supermarkets which must listen to people talking about the weather all day long.

We spend almost five times a day talking about it and spend longer discussing it, then on sport or work!

Women talk about it more than chatting about their men, love lives and gossip.

Even Twitter gets 500,000 'tweets' about it, and as for older people, well we have three times as many conversations about it and still believe in old wives tales, such as, cows sitting down (rain comes) something I 'always' say and the family make fun of me and of course, red sky at night is legendary.

These findings prove that we are a nation who is totally obsessed with the weather and with our unusually cold winter, millions of conversations at the moment are about the weather.

WHAT THE FAMOUS CARNABY STREET IN LONDON HAS TO OFFER...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 12:18:00 +0100

Many fashion traditions were broken during the 1960s, especially those in the United Kingdom. But the most famous street of all in London which housed independent fashion boutiques and designers was 'Carnaby Street'.

According to wikipedia, by the 1960's, Carnaby Street proved for followers of both the Mod and hippie styles. Many independent fashion boutiques, and designers such as Mary Quant, Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin, Lord John, Merc, Take Six, and Irvine Sellars were located in Carnaby Street as well as various underground music bars such as the Roaring Twenties in the surrounding streets.

With bands such as Small Faces, The Who, and Rolling Stones appearing in the area to work (with the legendary Marquee Club located round the corner in Wardour Street), shop, and socialize, it became one of the coolest destinations associated with the Swinging London of the 1960's.

Harry Fox and Henry Moss opened the first ladies boutique in Carnaby Street called "Lady Jane" in 1966.

The Carnaby Street contingent of Swinging London stormed into North American and international awareness with the April 15, 1966 publication of Time magazine's cover and article that extolled this street's role:

The Carnaby Street website now
Womenswear
Menswear
Children's Fashion
Hair, Health & Beauty
Home & Lifestyle
Accessories
Cafes
Bars
Restaurants
Nightlife
Fitness
Hotels
Newburgh Quarter
Kingly Court

THE VERY BRITISH 'WOMAN'S WEEKLY' MAGAZINE...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 17:06:00 +0100

Woman's Weekly has been running for over 100 years and is still one of the best selling women's magazines on the market.

It had everything a woman could want in the publication from fashion to weight loss.

Some of the advice was on recipes where housewives could earn a 'half a crown' by sending in their favourite recipe.

Readers offers were a little bit different from ours nowadays, with an offer of an 'ABSOLUTELY FREE' booklet of powder leaves, used to scent gloves and handkerchiefs with every purchase of a 2d packet of Oatine shampoo or toilet soap.

Fashion tips were ones we should learn from with for 6d, women could send off for a dress pattern of their choice (they mostly made their own).However, waists in those days were a small 26"!!!

Their answer to weight loss to keep slim was by taking a treatment called Antipon, which, they said contained 'vegetable ingredients of a quite harmless nature' and promised would shed 'between 8oz and 3lbs in the first 24 hours!( I could do with some of that).

Some of these vintage women's magazines have been selling on ebay for quite a lot of money with a vintage Vogue fetching nearly £50. Whenever I go to a charity shop I always look to see if they have any put away in a corner somewhere but I have only been lucky once.

AS BRITISH AS FISH AND CHIPS...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 19:19:00 +0100

Did you know that according to Wikepedia fish and chips first appeared in the 1860's and by 1910 there were more than 25,000 fish and chip shops across the UK, and by the 1930's there were over 35,000. The National Federation of Fish Friers say that there are now 8,500 fish and chip shops across the UK.

Historic UK site says that the potato is though to have been brought into England from the New World of the 17th century by Sir Walter Raleigh although it is believed that it was the French who invented the fried potato chip.

In 1839 Charles Dickens referred to a 'fried fish warehouse' in his novel, 'Oliver Twist'. The first fish and chip shop is believed to have been in Mossely, Lancashire in the North of England. It was sold from a wooden hut in the market and then later transferred to a permanent shop which had an inscription on its window which said ' this is the first fish and chip shop in the world'.

Towards the latter part of the 19th century and well into the next century, the fish and chip trade expanded satisfying the needs of the growing industrial population of the UK. Then the steam trawler brought fish from all over the North Atlantic, Iceland and Greenland and the steam railways meant the fish was distributed easily around the country.

Apparently in 1931 fish and chips became so essential in the British diet that one shop in Bradford had to employ a doorman to control the queue at busy times. Even the Territorial Army enjoyed it with special catering tents erected at training camps in order to give them fish and chips before battle.

The National Federation of Fish Friers said that in 1999, the British consumed nearly 300 million servings of fish and chips which equates to six servings to every man, woman and child in the country. The British Fish and Chips is by far the nation's favourite take-away.

THE BRITISH LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Mon, 7 Aug 2017 21:07:00 +0100

Discover in this stunning portfolio of award-winning photographs, a celebration of British life in all of its most captivating forms. Interest in photography has never been higher, with high end digital cameras now available to all and sundry as well as expert photographers who regularly document around the world. The British Life Photography Awards exist to celebrate that interest, that expertise and the very best of British reportage, documentary and street photography.

This book collects the winners and celebrates the best of the rest, with hundreds of eye-opening images giving a thought provoking, beautiful and refreshing view of life in the UK today.

Available from Amazon at only £1.29 for hardcover version of it.

DO YOU HAVE ROYAL BLOOD?...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Thu, 3 Aug 2017 13:46:00 +0100

Do you have Royal Blood? Wouldn't you love to know if you or anyone in your family has any royal blood in them.

Well if you go to Ancestry you can soon find out if this is possible. On the Ancestry website it says that according to a new study of unique last names from around the world, moving in or out of the upper class doesn't take just a few generations, it takes centuries.

So, anyone could have royal blood in their family. If you have a unique surname, or even if your last name is Smith, Ancestry can help you find out where your ancestors worked, how well they were educated, and how long they lived - all signs, according to researchers, of their place in the social hierarchy.

WINDERMERE & BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE IN SOUTH LAKELAND...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Tue, 1 Aug 2017 17:46:00 +0100

We are so lucky in the UK to have so many beautiful towns and cities which many have stunning scenery but my favourite of all time is Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere in the breathtaking South Lakeland.

Some fascinating facts about Bowness and Windermere - did you know that Charles Dickens is said to have frequented the New Hall Inn in Bowness.

In 1895, Windermere became ice bound for six weeks, making it possible to walk across from one side to the other.

The two towns of Windermere and Bowness were the second area in England to have electric street lighting.

Apart from the obvious scenery and rides on the lake there is still plenty to do in Bowness and Windermere with the famous World of Beatrix Potter and Blakewell overlooking the lake, one of the finest arts and crafts houses in the country.

With immediate access to the waters Windermere and Bowness attract many holiday makers but for me personally it's the views along the lake where you can stop and picnic or walk along the pathways which excite me most.

Year after year in all weathers from snow, rain, fog and deep sunshine it never fails to impress me and I have always said that if I ever won the pools I would immediately try and buy a holiday home in the Lake District.

6 FUN PLACES FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER IN THE UK...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:14:00 +0100

The kids are out, it's summer break season and as usual the typical British weather is letting us down left right and centre. So where can you take your kids to keep them happy during the summer holidays? My top picks on days out when the weather is bad are -

Aardman Animation's superb exhibition where you can discover the workings of the world in this inspiring museum in Bristol. Just going on the website will get you excited. They are an award-winning animation studio creating film, broadcast, advertising and interactive entertainment.

Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden is an award-winning museum which tells the story behind one of the world's best-loved storytellers, with the chance to see Dahl's famous writing hut. You can have lunch in Cafe Twit and enjoy amazing shops in the village. They say 'The Museum, aimed at 6 to 12 year olds, features three interactive galleries. Boy gallery looks at Roald Dahl's school days while Solo gallery houses his original Writing Hut. The Story Centre puts your imagination centre-stage with fantabulous activities to inspire the writer in you.'

For all petrolheads head to Beaulieu where this museum has the history of motoring with lots of cards on show, plus the chance to see how a crash dummy works and get a glimpse of the great F1 speedsters. Beaulieu has a bursting events calendar throughout the year which you can find on their website.

Head to Nottingham to see the City of Caves which dates back to the Dark Ages. This underground network of caves offered shelter during air raids in the Second World War and will intrigue visitors of all ages.They say that you will 'Discover a hidden world beneath your feet and tour our ancient network of caves at your leisure. You will be given a hand-held audio set to guide you on your way. You’ll hear stories of the caves and how they were used in years gone by. Your journey will take you around the winding passageways of Nottingham’s largest network of sandstone caves. Come and explore how the caves were used as dwellings, cellars, WW2 air raid shelters and even a medieval tannery.'

Go to Northumbrian coast and take a trip on the Serenity Farne Island Boat Tour at the Seahouses Harbour to enjoy the scenic Farne Islands, home of puffins and grey seals, and look out for the dolphins on the way. 'Serenity Farne Islands boat tours sail all year round to the Farne Islands, one of Britain’s most spectacular wildlife habitats! '

How about checking out the Loch Ness Monster by visiting the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition at Drumnadrochit where they have six themed rooms all telling their own version of the Nessie story.

A NICE CUP OF TEA IS WHAT WE BRITS LIKE MOST...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 22:19:00 +0100

THE UK's MOST BEAUTIFUL #BEER GARDENS...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 11:43:00 +0100

According to Stylist UK has some of the most beautiful beer gardens.

They say that .....

"There are some things that British summertime just wouldn’t be complete without. Drinking Pimms out of a plastic cup in your local park; striding determinedly into a steel-grey sea, gritting your teeth as the icy water reaches your bikini bottoms; buying a ‘99’ from an ice cream van and reflecting sadly on the fact that they no longer cost 99p.

But possibly the most beyond-crucial ingredient is the classic British beer garden. From seafront seating in Brighton, to trendy roof terraces in Leeds and secret courtyards in Soho, we've got some of the UK's best right here ".

From The Farm Pub tucked away in Bristol's leafy St. Werburgh's district, as its name suggests has the feel of a proper countryside pub. It's big green garden is a balm for the soul, and there's a great selection of local cider at the bar.

Hopetoun Road, Bristol, BS2 9YL; thefarmpub.co.uk

To the oldest pub along the Thames, The Ship is South London is about as close to the water as its possible to be without actually being a ship. It's been open since 1786 and you can watch the sun set from decked waterfront beer garden, close to Wandsworth Bridge.

41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, SW18 1TB;theship.co.uk

Head down to The Stylist website for a choice of 30 of the best beer gardens.

A QUOTE FROM THE #QUEEN ON THE EVE OF HER 90TH BIRTHDAY...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 20:57:00 +0100

THE DUKE AND #DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE WALKED FOR 3 HRS TO THE MONASTERY...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 21:23:00 +0100

I'm sure like me that you are loving all the amazing pictures of Kate in India, She has looked fantastic in everything she has worn but reading that both William and Kate made it up 10,000 feet above sea level really made me feel proud.

The Daily Mail wrote William and Kate climbed arm-in-arm to the Tiger's Nest monastery, some 10,000 feet above sea level.

While the prince was seen wiping sweat from his brow, his wife appeared unfazed by the climb and simply pushed her hair back from her face with her sunglasses.

The prince, dressed in chinos, a shirt and walking boots, looked more flushed than his wife - who donned £475 Penelope Chilvers boots and a £495 Nubuck shoot waistcoat over a white Jaeger linen blouse costing £89.

At the end of the walk, Kate told the press pack she was missing George and Charlotte 'massively', adding 'we're looking forward to seeing them...they're in good hands.'

THE #QUEEN'S HOUSES...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:23:00 +0100

The Queen's Houses is an outstanding book written by Alan Titchmarsh. In the book, Alan takes us on a tour of the royal residences, where he examines the personal stories behind these magnificent buildings.

The Queen has dedicated her life to the public - every move is scrutinsed, every word noted. But her homes are havens where peace can be found, and away from watchful eyes.

Through personal reflections, interviews with royal staff and meticulous historic research. Alan looks beyond the formal grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the imposing structure of Windsor Castle and the private escape offered by Balmoral and others.

It has illustrations with intimate family photographs and evocative memorabilia and offers a glimpse of life behind the state banquets and sovereign duties.

A unique book that any royalist would love to enjoy and keep on their bookshelf. Available from Amazon and other good book shops.

APRIL AND THE #GREEK GODDESS APHRODITE...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Thu, 7 Apr 2016 18:23:00 +0100

Did you know that in the initial Roman Calendar April was the 2nd month of the year until January and February were added in 700BC.

It is thought that the name April comes from the Latin word "to open" and describes the trees opening at Springtime.

It could also be that the name came from the Greek Goddess Aphrodite.

#ALEXANDER McQUEEN ON BRITISH FASHION...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Wed, 6 Apr 2016 21:21:00 +0100

'British fashion is self confident and fearless. It refuses to bow to commerce, thus generating a constant flow of new ideas whilst drawing in British heritage'...

Alexander McQueen Lee Alexander McQueen, CBE (17 March 1969 – 11 February 2010) was a British fashion designer and couturier.^[2] He is known for having worked as chief designer at Givenchy from 1996 to 2001 and for founding his own Alexander McQueen label.^[2]

His achievements in fashion earned him four British Designer of the Year awards (1996, 1997, 2001 and 2003), as well as the CFDA'sInternational Designer of the Year award in 2003.^[2] McQueen committed suicide in 2010 at the age of forty.

NATIONAL #PET MONTH - APRIL 1st - MAY 2nd...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Mon, 4 Apr 2016 20:24:00 +0100

We Brits LOVE our pets ( well, most of us do). My gorgeous little Bess (above) was with us for 15 fantastic years until she passed away last year. I miss her sooooooo much.

National Pet Month 2016 is running from 1st April - 2nd May. Two leading businesses are joining forces with National Pet Month to help promote responsible pet ownership and encourage pet fans to raise vital funds for UK charities.

Their Facebook page has all the information you need to get involved with National Pet Month/ Another Facebook page with details is Scratching Post which is mainly cat related but lots of stories and great pictures to look at.

You can become a supporter of National Pet Month at their website and get help with your fund raising event.

NINE #BRITISH TRADITIONS TO EXPERIENCE IN THE UK...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Sun, 3 Apr 2016 19:10:00 +0100

According to 'Hand Luggage Only' blog, a brilliant blog written by two good looking guys Yaha and Lloyd who are mates from the University of Cambridge where the blog began in April 2014 on a warm afternoon in Yaya's college room at Cambridge.

They say there are '9' British Traditions which you should experience in the UK. Their number one experience is British Morris Dancing in the Summer. This type of dancing dated back to the 15th Century where 'peasants' would dance the evening away. They say you can usually find Morris Dancers at most Summer Fetes dressed in and dancing to impress the crowds.

Their number two experience is British Maypole Dancing on May Day ( something I've not seen for years) which is predominant in Britain and other parts of Europe. People traditionally dance around the pole on May Day or Whitsun.

The number three slot goes to the English Cheese Rolling in Spring. It is held every year at Coopers Hill in Gloucester where thousands of people roll and chase a 9lb barrel of Gloucestershire cheese down a hill.

Number four on the list is the very British Bonfire Night where we all enjoy a night filled with fireworks, bonfires, sparklers and toffee apples.

Their number five experience is Welsh Bog Snorkelling ( a first for me) which takes place in the summer from Wales where locals and visitors alike can be crowned a champion 'bog snorkeller'!!!

Their number six choice is Cornish Hurling which is played only in Cornwall and is a truly unique past-time. Basically whoever ends up with the silver ball at 12 Noon gets to go to the town mayor and receive their 5 shillings (olde money) reward.

Their number seven spot is a Scottish Hogmanay which is celebrated each year on December 31st. Hogmanay is a Scottish tradition where you enjoy lots of music, whisky, street parties and singing to 'Auld Lang Syne'.

Number eight is the Scottish Burns Night which is held on January 25th every year. Burns night is to celebrate the life and works of the famous poet Robert Burns.

Finally number nine is the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge where each year during the summer solstice (Monday 20th June) upwards 40,000 people head to Stonehenge to celebrate the rising sun.

Amazing bit of British traditions don't you think? You will find lots more on this on Hand Luggage Only website.

A #ROUTE WITH A VIEW - FROM CHESTERFIELD TO DISLEY...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 18:32:00 +0100

At least once a month I pop over to see my Dad in Manchester and always go through Chesterfield and over the Peak District rather than the direct route on the Motorway.

The reason is simply because of the view. It only takes about half an hour to get to Chesterfield where you pass it's famous 'Crooked Spire', then onto the A619 to the Peak District National Park.

After a short drive through beautiful countryside I reach Chatsworth, which is a village well worth a visit to see the stunning Chatsworth House and lovely walks and tea rooms like Hatties in Baslow which is part of the Devonshire Arms in Baslow. The pretty village has quirky interior design shops and a unique bespoke Gentlemans Tailors (GA Shepherd), which are far and few between nowadays.

You then approach Stoney Middleton after going through Calver, which is a beautiful quaint little village where cave lovers meet to go underground and see the world in a completely different light to us. It was first settle by Ancient Britons around 4,000 BC who may have been drawn by the thermal waters which still flow through the village today. The thermal springs provided water to the Roman bath house, where bathing in the mineral rich water was thought to have the power to heal.

You then stay on the A623 towards Stockport and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Peak District National Park. where the Peak District website says ' Take in a view you will never forget'.

The next village which you by pass is Chapel en le Frith then onto Furness Vale. Furness Vale on the A6 has one main road running through it, with wonderful views on either side and a lovely Marina (see picture above).

You then go into Disley which has an abundance of lovely shops and pubs for such a small village and a regular stop off point for many heading towards Stockport. Lyme Park ( a National Trust Property) is just outside the village and a very popular and beautiful park for a day out. Just don't go on a Good Friday as my Dad and I were stuck in a traffic jam for two hours which was all down to cars queuing up to get into the Park over the holiday.

Once through Disley I know I'm out of the true countryside and getting nearer to Stockport and Manchester but even though I have driven this route hundreds of times, it still looks different each time I go on that route home.

ANOTHER 10 OF #BRITAIN'S CLASSIEST COUNTIES...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 18:24:00 GMT

According to the very British paper 'The Telegraph' Britain has 20 classiest Counties, and the second ten are-

11. County Down which starts at East Belfast and meanders south to the point where " the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea".The Royal County Down Golf Club, founded in 1889, is described by Golf Digest as the best anywhere outside the US. It is also one of the most sought after towns, glamorous-sounding Holywood, is proud to have spawned golfing superstar Roy Mcilroy.

12. East Sussex ( love it) They say there is no cooler place outside London than Brighton ( couldn't agree more on that one). The white stucco properties in Sussex Square must be some of the most attractive properties in the county. They also come with access to an enormous communual garden. Glyndebourne (pictures) is a place of pilgrimage for well-dressed opera-lovers and the market for houses in growing daily.

13. Cornwall ( thought this would have been higher up the list). This is Britain's southernmost county and is a place of timeless enchantment. It is beloved of artists and holidaymakers alike. Always a popular spot for holiday makers.

14. Oxfordshire which attracts more than its fair share of movers and shakers, many living in David Cameron's Witney constituency. The county is hardly unspoilt and has pockets of real beauty and tranquility. Some may say Bicester Village lowers the tone ( no idea why) but Blenheim Palace is one of the grandest stately homes in the country.

15. Ross-shire, which is a tiny county that for years it was subsumed into Ross and Cromarty for admin purposes. The biggest town, Dingwall, barely has 5,000 inhabitants. Tain, Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh, is even smaller. But you only have to visit the remote villages of Wester Ross, or play golf at Royal Dornock to fall under the spell of this delightful corner of Scotland.

16. Cumbria ( my favourite place in the whole world) feels like a breath of fresh air after the cities of the south. The scenery has a class of it's own. Wordsworth's Lake District is as glorious now as 200 years ago, and if you are looking for a classy property (that's if you can find one for sale), the landscape of timeless beauty is in abundance.

17. Pembrokeshire which is the county well known as Little England Beyond Wales. It has some of the best beaches in Britain, as well as its smallest city, St. David's.

18. Cheshire ( my home town) which has plenty of Premier League footballer's in situ. It is said to have the most outstanding schools and amenities as well as the very popular villages of Hale, Alderley Edge and Prestbury.

19. Gwynedd which has the natural splendour of Snowdonia National Park which is a beautiful as Conwy, Caenarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris castles. Abersoch used to be a small fishing village but now attracts the yacht set. Further down the coast is one of the hot spots called Aberdovey, which attracts more out-of-county house buyers than ever before.

20. Last but not least is Leicestershire, which is situated right in the centre of England. This classy county is the seat of the Dukes of Rutland in Belvoir Castle. It's world-class riding country is a lure to sportsmen everywhere.

THE BEAUTIFULLY #BRITISH PENNINE WAY...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 21:25:00 GMT

The Pennine's Way, is arguable England's longest and finest footpath, which runs from the Peaks, in Derbyshire, to the Scottish border, over rough moors and over grown Roman roads. But it's certainly no walk for the inexperienced.

It has something to offer every long distance walker. The 270-mile walk will take your from the Peak District National Park along the Pennine ridge through the Yorkshire Dales, up into Northumberland, and across the Cheviots, and into the Scottish Borders.

If you like a bit of history and culture then you will find that on this walk. Starting at the scene of the Kinder Scout mass trespasses of the 1930s, you will walk through the Southern Pennines, cradle of the Industrial Revolution, pass Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters, cross the limestone country of the Yorkshire Dales, follow the Settle to Carlisle Railway and enter a huge Pennine area that was exploited by every kind of mining activity, the lead industry in particular, as well as The Roman Wall and beyond the territory of the Scottish Borders.

The National Trails Website has lots of details on how to plan your visit.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHARITY BY #RECYCLING...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 18:25:00 GMT

If you have some glasses you do not use anymore and are not one of your favourites then give them to Vision Aid Overseas. All you have to do is leave them at most UK optician branches and they will send them onto the developing world.

For CD's and DVD's the best place to give them is The Royal National Institute for the Blind as they can raise £50 per 100 CD's or DVD's donated.

If you have broken watches, or damaged jewellery then Marie Curie Cancer Care will recycle them for cash.

For electronic goods the 'Rethink Recycling Appeal' collects old mobile phones, DVDs, laptops, electric toothbrushes, printer cartridges, cameras, torches, power tools and other electric devices for reuse and recycling, and then allows you to donate the money they make to a charity of your choice.

If you have a load of old textbooks then READ International will collect them from across the UK and send them out to East Africa.

Batteries can be recycled anywhere that you see the 'Be Positive' sign, including M&S, Argos, Homebase, B&Q and Tesco.

For everything else 'The British Heart Foundation' will come and collect goods for free from your house. Just fill in the online booking form on The British Heart Foundation website.

Another company called 'Stuff U Sell Ltd', will collect junk from anywhere in the UK, or you can send it to them or drop it off at their London warehouse. They will sell what they can on eBay for you, then give the rest to Oxfam or a recycling plant. You will get an inventory of how much they've sold your stuff for, and a cheque, minus their commission (between 10 and 30 per cent) and what they've given to charity. For more details head to Stuff You Sell.

#QUEEN ELIZABETH 11 COMMEMORATIVE 90TH BIRTHDAY COIN...

noreply@blogger.com (Barmac) — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 16:51:00 GMT

To commemorate the Queens 90th Birthday milestone, a new 90th portrait of Her Majesty has been issued on the new Queen's 90th Birthday Coin.

Only one limited edition of the Queen Elizabeth 11 90th Birthday coin is allowed per household so claim yours today...