Shakespeare 400

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 06 September 2016 > Celebrate

William Shakespeare died 400 years ago, on 23 April 1616, at the age of 52, in his native Stratford-upon-Avon. Yet his 37 plays are still played constantly around the world, and have provided the basis for more than 1000 films. Britain had had grandiose plans for celebrating the tercentenary of Shakespeare’s death in 1916 before … Continue reading “Shakespeare 400”

Roald Dahl Day Special

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 30 August 2016 > Celebrate

Roald Dahl was such a popular children’s writer that every year, 13 September (his birthday) is World Roald Dahl Day. This year is the hundredth anniversary of his birth, and there are celebrations galore. Dahl, who died in 1990, is best remembered as the author of irreverent classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, … Continue reading “Roald Dahl Day Special”

The Battle of the Somme 1916

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 24 August 2016 > Celebrate

The Battle of the Somme in 1916 was a tragic turning point in World War One for British and Empire forces. There are many on-going commemorations from 1 July to 18 November to mark the centenary of the battle. The Battle of the Somme was launched to try to provide relief for the French Army, which … Continue reading “The Battle of the Somme 1916”

Teach Peace on 21 September

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 23 August 2016 > Celebrate

21 September is Peace One Day, a U.N. day of ceasefire and non-violence around the world. A day to bring peace into your classroom! The United Nations voted unanimously in 2001 to declare 21 September a day for peace. Unfortunately, that decision was taken days before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. But that didn’t deter Jeremy … Continue reading “Teach Peace on 21 September”

The Queen at 90

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 16 August 2016 > Celebrate

Britain broke out the bunting and the Union Jacks to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday. There are not many 90-year-olds who are still doing a full-time job, even though the Queen now relies more on her children and grandchildren to represent the Royal Family abroad. After becoming Britain’s longest-reigning monarch on 9 September 2015, … Continue reading “The Queen at 90”

The Great Fire of London

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 11 August 2016 > Celebrate

2-6 September 2016 marks the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. The fire was a major trauma for the city, and a watershed after which the old, wooden, medieval city made way for a more modern city made of stone. The fire started in the early hours of the morning in the royal … Continue reading “The Great Fire of London”