The Chelsea Pensioners
The Chelsea Pensioners are retired men and women of the British Army who have no dependants. They receive care and comradeship in […]
Read MoreAuthor: Purple Brolly
My aim is to give a flavour of these precious islands we call 'the UK'. All research is based on a minimum of two public domain sources, usually more.
By-elections
A by-election happens when a Member of Parliament resigns, dies or is told to stand down for a breach of the rules. […]
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Bubble and squeak
In the early 19th century there was a very popular cookbook called ‘A New System of Domestic Cookery’ (1806, 1st of 65 […]
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Queen Boudica (or Boadicea)
Queen Boudica (the exact spelling is uncertain) was born in 30AD and died just 31 years later. Her name was probably a […]
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Members of the House of Lords
An invitation to join the House of Lords is a coveted reward for past service in Parliament or professional expertise and achievement. […]
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Harvest Festival
Harvest Festival is a traditional celebration of finishing the gathering-in of the farmers’ harvests ~ a time to give thanks for the […]
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What’s the weather like today?
Weather forecasts in the UK are often wrong, due to the ever-changing nature of the jet streams and ocean currents around our […]
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Maximum punishment for crime
The last death penalties carried out in the UK were in 1964, when convicted murderers Peter Allen and Gwynne Evans were hanged. […]
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Sir Alastair Cook
Sir Alastair Cook, CBE (1984-) was born in Gloucestershire. He retired from Test cricket with England in 2018, with a brilliant record […]
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Father’s Day
Father’s Day is on the third Sunday of June, so, unlike Christmas Day for example, it is not on the same date […]
Read MoreFather’s Day is on the third Sunday of June, so, unlike Christmas Day for example, it is not on the same date every year. It is not a public holiday and as it is on a Sunday, people do not take time off work to celebrate it.
It is a day to honour your father or step-father, perhaps with a thoughtful treat, outing or visit. Handmade Father’s Day gifts are often made by children in schools and nurseries, or in voluntary clubs such as the Girlguiding and Scouting movements. On the day, families may make a special effort to go out to restaurants or to family leisure attractions.
(Top image: pxhere.com)
Driving Licences
UK driving licences were first introduced in 1903 and anyone over 17 could apply for one, at a cost of 5/- (five shillings) […]
Read MoreUK driving licences were first introduced in 1903 and anyone over 17 could apply for one, at a cost of 5/- (five shillings) per year. Driving tests did not come into the picture until 1934.
Today’s driving licences must be renewed every 10 years and when the driver reaches the age of 70. Thereafter, it must be renewed every three years. When renewing, you have the chance to change the photo on your licence to a more recent one. The fees for a new or replacement licence can be viewed on the Government website here.
When learning to drive, the first step is to apply for a provisional licence. This enables the holder to have lessons. The Highway Code must be learned and, when ready, the theory test is booked. If that is passed, the driving test can be booked. The driving part of the test takes about 40 minutes and various manoeuvres must be carried out, as directed by the examiner, as well as following an unknown route as directed by a sat-nav device.
Many people do not pass these tests the first time, but they can always book again…
(Top image: Phil Champion at geograph.org.uk / CC BY-NC 2.0)
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral in Devon is an awe-inspiring example of Gothic architecture in the ‘English decorated’ style. The solid-looking towers on either side […]
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