11.00am 11th November 2011 ~ The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the 11th year of this millennium. Quite a special moment for many people.
Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, Veterans Day, all mean one thing, a day to remember all of those that lost their lives in the line of duty in World War 1. In the UK, US and all over the world we stop and think and show our respect.
Most of us are lucky enough not to know what living through a war would be like, and back in 1914, the world was a very different place indeed. Remembering those that have impacted our lives so greatly is incredibly important, where would we be today without those brave men and women.
1914, I’d like to imagine where I would have been, what role I may have played and I find it very hard, coming from a life of comfort, security and a country at peace. Doing a job I love, having freedom and taking it all for granted. The things I have to worry about on a daily basis would have no comparison so it is very hard to put yourself in that woman’s (probably uncomfortable) shoes!
The early 1900’s was a very important time for women in history and the suffragette movement was very active, women in support of their cause attacked private and public property, set fires to opposing government buildings and as we know, famously chained themselves to railings. When caught and imprisoned they often went on hunger strike until they were so ill they were released, only to be re-arrested when they were well again showing incredible passion and conviction for their beliefs.
The start of the war was a huge turning point. Days after, all suffragettes were released from prison and their leaders negotiated with the British government and agreed to end all militant activities for the duration of the war. They committed instead to support the war effort. A quote from one pointed out ‘What would be the good of a vote without a country to vote in!’
Land Girls
They did continue to campaign for women’s rights and formed the Women’s Party, supporting “equal pay for equal work, equal marriage and divorce laws, the same rights over children for both parents, equality of rights and opportunities in public service, and a system of maternity benefits.”
The number of women employed increased from 3,224,600 in July,1914 to 4,814,600 in January 1918.
So without too long a history lesson, or standing on my own soap box! when I think about the war effort I’d like to think about these women who also fought for their country and remember their sacrifices, strength and commitment to their beliefs.
I’ll wear a poppy for them.
Tagged Poppy Day, Remembrance Day, Veterans DayI like the sound of Thanks Giving. Here in the UK we have never had the same level of celebration and national holiday attributed to Harvest time. We do celebrate harvest, usually at the end of September and usually within a school or a church environment but it’s not widely celebrated. My memories of harvest festival are from being a child and creating baskets of food that would be going to those less fortunate. We would grab what we could from the cupboard at home not realising not many people used butter beans! These days many more people are into growing their own vegetables,in gardens or allotments and it is much more fashionable to be green fingered. Giving from your own ‘crop’ to help others in need must be a great feeling.
Giving thanks and sharing with others is where it all starts I suppose. I think we should all make a habit of this, afterall us Brits were a part of the Thanksgiving story when 102 passengers left Plymouth on the Mayflower and started new lives in the New World!
There are many thanksgiving traditions that I for one would like to adopt!
Big family get togethers, great food, time off work and most of all remembering what to be thankful for.
Are you having a thanksgiving party this year? Entertaining friends Or just spending time with your close family? If you need any help you know who to call (CLKEvents did I hear you say!?)
Here are a couple of things I’d like to be thankful for. What are you thankful for this year?
The fields and countryside where I walk my dog Bobby most days…minutes from my front door.
Taking Bobby for a walk
My new niece Ava. She is beautiful.
New bundle of joy - Ava
Vancouver by night
Recently returned from a girls weekend in Vancouver. We stayed at the very pleasant Blue Horizon Hotel on Robson Street. We were right in the heart of Vancouver and in perfect walking distance to the shops, e.g. one block! Perfect for the serious shopper who needs to drop their bags off half way through because they have too many!!!
After a long journey up from Seattle we arrived to a warm welcome from Chanthy who checked us in – great sense of humour! :) The girl’s room was on the 23rd floor – great views, comfy beds (so much so we didn’t get up until 10am each morning!), lots of space and very clean.
Ideal spot for short breaks and small meetings – best bit was it didn’t break the bank!! Would definitely stay there again.
http://www.bluehorizonhotel.com/index.html
Tagged blue horizon, hotels, meetings, vancouver, weekend awayHere are some great tips to throwing a great party with maximum X-factor, whilst minimising the stress-factor! Part 1
1. Countdown
Choose a date well in advance to be able to find a venue and ensure you have clear budgets.
2. Simple is best
Have a clear idea of what style/theme you would like at your party. Don’t mix loads of half-baked ideas together. A good idea if you are hiring in waiters is to get them dressed up in the same theme.
3. Walk the walk
When you are planning your party, walk through the party as if you were the guest. Can you find the location, the parking and the toilet easily? Where will you leave your coat? Where is the bar? Would you want to be greeted with a drink? Is your party fun and informal or formal? (And there is a fine line between formal and stuffy!) Remember the big picture and the details – many a well-planned outside BBQ party has actually smoked out the guests when the wind direction wasn’t accounted for!
4. Signed, sealed, delivered
Tried and tested suppliers will help your event go smoothly as they know the ropes. Choose good caterers and stick to the dishes they recommend, as these will probably be the ones that will fit in well. Try to avoid the dishes volunteered by the mother-in-law and other family members that usually contribute to slow service and chaos!
5. It’s a numbers game
Make sure you know the numbers. Too few people than planned and you might get hit with cancellation charges at short notice. Too many people turning up and you might run out of parking, food and drink!
Here are some great tips to throwing a great party with maximum X-factor, whilst minimising the stress-factor! Part 1
6. The Party Cocktail
Be creative. Give yourself a signature cocktail. At a themed party, don’t stop at just wines and beers – why not have a themed cocktail list? It’s always a winner.
7. Location location location
Sometimes the small details can trip you up. In the colder months, coats take up an amazing amount of storage space and need organising for guests leaving at the end. You can hire a coat rail as an alternative to a heap on a bed! It also makes good sense to position the bar as close to the entrance as possible so guests can get a drink as soon as they have let go of their coats
8. Let the music play
The saviour or killer of any party. Choose music that will fit in with the theme. Do