In 2011, the United Nations declared 11 October the International Day of the Girl. It’s a day to celebrate girls and raise awareness of the problems they face. Girls face challenges such as violence, child marriage, early pregnancy and its health effects, and limited access to paid work. Gender equality and education for all were … Continue reading “International Day of the Girl”
Every autumn, Britain breaks out in verse for National Poetry Day, this year on 6 October. We often reach for poetry when we want to say something meaningful, whether it is in a birthday card, a graduation speech, wedding or funeral. The aim of National Poetry Day is to have people encounter poetry in unusual … Continue reading “Say it with a Poem on National Poetry Day”
They are London’s working-class royalty, and a popular part of the city’s folklore. The Pearly Kings and Queens also raise large amounts of money for charity. Their annual Harvest Festival in September is a sight to behold. The original Pearly King was an orphan, Henry Croft. He was brought up in an orphanage but at … Continue reading “Pearly Kings and Queens Festival”
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 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 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”
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”
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”
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”