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Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21st April 1926 and became Queen on 6th February 1952 aged just 25. She was crowned in a ceremony on 2nd June 1953 at Westminster Abbey. During her time as Queen, Elizabeth II worked with British Prime Ministers and traveled thousands of miles every year around the UK and abroad. The Queen celebrated her platinum jubilee in June 2022 after 70 years on the throne and is Britain’s longest reigning monarch and the second longest reigning monarch in the world after Louis XIV of France who served as monarch for more than 72 years.

On Monday 19th September 2022 the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II took place at Westminster Abbey followed by a service at St George’s chapel in Windsor. It is estimated that more than 29, 000, 000 television viewers in the UK watched the funeral and the end of that day marked the end of the period of national mourning following the Queen’s death on 8th September. The Royal Family will continue to observe a period of Royal Mourning until Monday 26th September and our thoughts and best wishes are with them at this sad time.

Many changes will now occur as the new King, Charles III begins his reign. Changes will be made to many things which show royal symbols, for example bank notes and coins which feature the Queen’s image. Stamps will also be changed over time, although it is thought that Royal Mail post boxes bearing Queen Elizabeth’s Royal cypher EIIR are unlikely to be removed, especially as some post boxes remain with the cyphers of King George IV, Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. Certain flags will also change as they are emblazoned with EIIR. The Royal Standard, which is the quartered flag that flies whenever the monarch is in residence may also change, especially as King Charles III may wish to incorporate a Welsh element. Holders of the royal warrant will lose their status unless it is granted again by another member of the Royal Family. Royal warrants mean that businesses which supply the royal household can use the Queen’s arms on their marketing materials.

The Queen’s state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey and this was the first funeral for a sovereign held there since King George II in 1760. The funerals of British Kings and Queens are typically held at St George’s chapel in Windsor which is where the second service for the Queen was held.

There are many different opinions about the Royal Family in the UK and worldwide. However the Queen has been a symbol of continuity and security for many people for the past 70 years. We want to thank her for her years of service. She will be sadly missed.

In 2022 Chinese New Year falls on February 1st. The date of the New Year varies from year to year as it follows the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year is also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival.

Each year the festival falls between January 21st and February 20th coinciding with the relevant year’s lunar cycle. Celebrations often begin the day before the new year and carry on until the Lantern Festival occurs fifteen days later.

How is Lunar New Year celebrated?

There are many traditions associated with celebrating Lunar New Year. Some activities include:

• Approximately 10 days before new year cleaning the house thoroughly to remove any bad luck. This custom is referred to as ‘sweeping of the grounds’.
• Putting up decorations.
• Having a reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve.
• Giving gifts and lucky red envelopes.
• Firework displays and firecrackers.
• Watching lion and dragon dances.

There are also superstitions linked to Chinese New Year which are said to decide how the next year will unfold. Things to avoid include; washing clothes, using scissors and sweeping floors.

Each year is represented by a different animal from the Chinese zodiac. There are 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac each is said to have different characteristics and is assigned an element from earth, metal, water, wood or fire.

The animals and their characteristics are:

• Rat: smart, charming, resourceful and quick witted.
• Ox: patient, dependable, stubborn and kind.
• Tiger: Powerful, brave, kind and confident.
• Rabbit: Popular, sincere, kind and compassionate.
• Dragon: energetic, charismatic, intelligent and warm-hearted.
• Snake: wise, generous, gregarious and charming.
• Horse: independent, impatient, active and energetic.
• Goat: shy, kind, calm and sympathetic.
• Monkey: fun, energetic, curious and active.
• Rooster: hard working, practical, observant and independent.
• Dog: patient, generous, honest and kind.
• Pig: loving, tolerant, honest and generous.

2022 marks the start of the year of the Tiger with the element water. People born under the Tiger year are considered to be powerful, brave, kind and confident. The Chinese zodiac follows a 12 year cycle with different animals representing each year. People believe that a person’s horoscope and personality are closely associated with their zodiac sign determined by the year of birth.

The years the animal represent are a follows:

• Rat: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972
• Ox: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973
• Tiger: 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974
• Rabbit: 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975
• Dragon: 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976
• Snake: 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977
• Horse: 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978
• Goat: 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979
• Monkey: 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980
• Rooster: 2029, 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981
• Dog: 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982
• Pig: 2031, 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983

Happy Chinese New Year, I hope the year of the Tiger is good to you!

Once upon a time there was a society for storyteller’s who decided to set up a special week to celebrate, promote and encourage storytelling for people of all ages. 30th January – 6th February 2022 is National Storytelling week.

“Storytelling can be found enriching lives everywhere. The sharing of stories between teller and listener empowers, feeding the imagination from one generation to the next.” Society for Storytelling.

We are surrounded by stories and they are an integral part of our everyday lives from books to television, cinema and even video games. Storytelling is a powerful tool that allows us to share stories that inspire and teach others. National Storytelling Week is celebrated by people of all ages who read folktales, fairy tales, love stories, adventure stories and more. It is also a fantastic way for people to share their own story or create something entirely new. Everyone has at least one story to tell and this week is a good time to share.

Storytelling is part of our ancient history when stories would be shared to pass on histories and useful information. There is a difference between reading a story and telling a story and this week is a great time to attend a storytelling event. Storytelling is an art form and sharing stories can greatly benefit children’s development.

Sharing stories, talking and singing everyday can help to teach young children sounds, words, language and it promotes literacy skills. It can spark children’s imagination and stimulate curiosity as well as aiding in the ability to focus, concentrate and communicate.

Asking children to role play and retell familiar stories also develops communication skills, confidence and creativity.

This week is a fantastic opportunity to take some time out of our busy lives to read stories to our children or even tell them stories of our own, either made up or perhaps about our own family history or childhood. It is also a wonderful time to encourage children to tell us their favourite stories. I hope you enjoy the week!

January 25th is Burns Night, but who was Robert Burns and why do we celebrate?

Robert Burns is Scotland’s most famous poet and Burns night is a way to remember and celebrate his life. It is celebrated on January 25th as this was his birthday.

Robert Burns also known as Rabbie Burns and the Bard of Ayrshire wrote in the Scottish language. He wrote over 700 poems and songs and is widely regarded as the National poet of Scotland. In 2009 Robert Burns was chosen as the greatest Scot by the Scottish public in a vote run by the Scottish television channel STV.

Robert Burns was born on January 25th 1759 in the Scottish village of Alloway, he grew up on a farm. When his father died he was put in charge of the family’s farm. He began writing poetry while ploughing the fields. Burns only lived until the age of 37 and died on July 21 1796 from rheumatic fever.

The tradition of celebrating Robert Burns began a few years after his death in 1796. His friends commemorated his career on the date of his death each year.

Burns Night Supper was first celebrated on January 29th 1802 as this was originally thought to be Robert Burns birthday. The following year parish records were discovered to correct the date.

More than 200 years later the Burns Night Supper is still being celebrated and it has become a nationwide event.

Those who enjoy are Burns Night Supper are traditionally piped in by a bagpipe player, then The Selkirk Grace (a prayer attributed to Burns) is said before dinner. A traditional Burns Supper often starts with soup such as Scotch broth. Then haggis is served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). The haggis is piped in by the diners and the ‘Address to a Haggis’ takes place. The guests toast the haggis and start the feast.

The meal is followed by the ‘Immortal Memory Toast’ in which a guest gives a speech in honour of Robert Burns. Then there is a ‘Toast to the Lassies’ which is a chance to thank the women cooking the meal. A male diner offers an amusing but complimentary take on the role of women in general life referring to women in the group with quotes from Burns’ work. The toast is followed by a reply from the women. The rest of the night is filled with guests performing works by Burns ending with Auld Lang Syne.

Whatever you are doing this Burns Night I hope you enjoy it!

January 18th is National Winnie the pooh day, the day commemorates the birthday of author and Winnie the Pooh creator A A Milne in 1882. Winnie the Pooh is a much loved children’s character. The first book was published in 1926 with illustrations by E H Shepard and the stories have now been translated into over 50 languages and are considered to be children’s classics.

The inspiration for Winnie the Pooh came from a black bear named Winnie that lived at London zoo during World War I. Christopher Robin (A A Milne’s son) would visit the bear often and named his own teddy bear after her.

A A Milne created the ‘bear of very little brain’ and his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Christopher Robin and Co. The characters adventures took them through the Hundred Acre Woods. Each of Pooh’s friends played a unique role in the books and the characters are beloved around the world. There are many reasons for this but one in particular might be the wonderful friendships that are demonstrated throughout the books. Pooh and his friends very much seem to have the right priorities. In fact, rather than having very little brain Pooh often seems very wise indeed.

In 1961 Disney bought the rights to the Winnie the Pooh characters which led to a few changes in illustrations.

Ways to Celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day

• Snuggle up and read or reread the Winnie the Pooh stories.
• If you are out and about why not take the time to play Pooh sticks!
• Watch Winnie the Pooh animations or films.
• Take the time to enjoy some Winnie the Pooh wisdom and quotes. A favourite of mine is ‘A friend is one of the best things you can have, and one of the best things you can be’

The New Year is well underway with all its hope and joy for the future and many people will have already removed the Christmas decorations ready for a fresh start.

Traditionally though Christmas didn’t end until Twelfth Night or Epiphany. People have different ideas about when Twelfth Night is depending on if they begin counting the Twelve days of Christmas from Christmas Day or Boxing Day. In the past Twelfth Night was an opportunity to celebrate again and bring the festivities to a close. There was traditionally feasting, drinking and dancing on this day with the removal of the decorations.

Twelfth Night & Epiphany Fast Facts

• It is believed that Christians began marking Twelfth Night in the 4th Century as it was supposed to mark the day the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem to visit the Baby Jesus. The day after is called Epiphany.

• Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day is a Christian holiday observed on January 6th. It is an important day in the Christian church alongside Christmas and Easter.

• Epiphany celebrates three events: The arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem to see Baby Jesus, the baptism of Jesus and Jesus’ first miracle.

• Twelfth Night was often celebrated by playing practical jokes on friends and neighbours.

• A traditional food was the Twelfth Night cake. It was a rich fruit cake containing a bean and a pea. The people who found them would become the King of the Bean and the Queen of the Pea and everyone had to do what they said.

• Twelfth Night was a traditional day for plays which was sometimes called ‘mumming’.

• A Yule Log was lit on Christmas day and remained burning until Twelfth Night in order to bring good fortune to the house for the coming year. The remains were kept to kindle next years Yule Log as well as to protect the house from lightning and fire.

• People often went ‘wassailing’ which is a Twelfth Night tradition that has been practised in Britain for centuries. Wassailing was usually carried out in cider producing counties such as Devon, Dorset, Herefordshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire. Wassailing often involved visiting orchards, especially of apple trees to scare away evil spirits and awaken the fruit trees to ensure a good harvest of fruit the following autumn.

Whatever you believe in I hope this Twelfth Night brings you joy.