Dakota Silver

Look at this lovely commemorative the Postie delivered this morning. By virtue of being flown on a wartime C-47 Dakota, for the D-Day 80th Anniversary, this genuine 1944 issue coin is now something of a limited edition.

Royal Burial

This seems like only yesterday but today marks ten whole years since the (re)burial of King Richard III. 

His remains were located on the first day of an archaeological dig in September 2012, in a car park in Leicester (pronounced Lester), site of the Grey Friars Priory. After his death, Richard had been hastily buried without too much fuss within the Priory and following the dissolution of the monasteries his resting place seemingly lost.

Circumstantial evidence, radiocarbon dating and DNA analysis (of descendants of his elder sister) were used to conclude beyond reasonable doubt these were the remains of the last Plantagenet monarch of England. 

His remains confirmed the stories his body had likely been abused, with at least some of his 11 wounds being post mortem, and perhaps more importantly he had severe scoliosis. This would likely have meant the King would probably appeared to have a humped back or at least one shoulder noticeably higher than the other. Until then this was considered something an act of Elizabethan propaganda, by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. 

On 26 March 2015 King Richard III was given a more fitting burial at Leicester Cathedral.

Below are images of a contemporary painting of the King, a reconstruction based on his skull, and images of his resting place in Grey Friars Priory and (later) Leicester Cathedral.

Cracking Adventures In Space And Time

(Again) pinched from elsewhere, mashing together two of my favourite franchaises.

Equal

We've reached in the UK the Spring Equinox, there is equal daylight and darkness, before longer days are with us. The sun is currently shining and the warmest day of the year so far is forecast, at around 21 degrees. Tomorrow- the weather people tell us- will be back to overcast and rainy days LOL.

Flying High

When one of your all-time favourite singer/song writers announces a new studio album and tour. 

I got to see her a couple of years ago and may not be able to get to the new tour but at least the album is pre-ordered. Whoop! Whoop!

Bread Pud

Warings' finest LOL.

The Wrong Dalek, Gromit!

Found elsewhere on the Interweb. Combining Wallace and Gromit with Doctor Who, how could I resist LOL?

Jolly Boys Outing

It hardly seems true today marks six years since our trip to the capital to see one of the best musical comedies of modern times, and in its opening week too. The cast, including co-writer Paul Whitehouse, were absolutely brilliant. Cushty you might say.

The cast and crew are now about to embark on a nationwide tour and I have to admit to being tempted to bag some tickets. 

Lovely Jubbly LOL.

Last Day?

Officially in the UK this day marks the meteorological end of winter. In real terms that likely means we have at least another month of actual winter. I would suggest that maybe by the close of March we'll have seen an end to the perpetual rain. Then I'm reminded of April Showers LOL.

Game Changer

Momentarily putting my "tech head" back on...

(Pinched from elsewhere on the Interweb)

Too Soon..?

Do you think Spring might be just around the corner, in my little corner of the UK..?

Remake

Absolutely loving this "re-imagining" of the Frederick Forsyth tale. Eddie Redmayne stars in the role previously made famous by Edward Fox in the 1970's movie. This version made for Sky and split over 10 episodes, is pretty satisfying and it appears no expense has been spared with the production. Needless to say a second series has been commissioned, with Redmayne and co-star Lashana Lynch once again set to Tee-off against each other in an international game of cat and mouse.

Villain Of The Hour

Image of the public statue of plasticine crook Feathers Mcgraw being unveiled in Preston. (Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park pictured with his back to the camera)

Nuts!

Dog friendly (and safe) peanut butter, and brilliant marketing. At only £2.50 for 340g, many would argue it's a fantastic deal.

Showtime!

Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin, this is gonna be good. Adults only, mind you.

Choc's Away!

Chococo's finest, all the way from the Isle of Purbeck. Multi-award winning and quite possibly the best handmade chocolates ever. Mmm!

Lock 'N' Load

Interesting the things you see whilst waiting inside the local chippy, The Tasty Plaice. 

It's not often you see several police cars zoom past on "Blues and Two's" (blue lights and two tone siren), with the final one stopping outside so the two officers can get their semi-automatic weapons from the lockbox in the boot/truck before continuing down the hill.

In the UK we don't routinely arm our police and those that do carry or use weapons are specially trained and licensed. Although they don't receive additional pay. Hardly seems fair but this is the norm in the UK, officers take on additional responsibilities or learn new skills so they are able to perform a better or different role. In the capital officers will often be seen on foot carrying guns but away from London and airports, police weapons are generally kept in locked boxes inside designated vehicles. These usually display a "*" symbol.

Obviously this unusual sight was- for a moment or two- quite exciting to see whilst we waiting for our takeaway.

Drips

This split in the lead flashing may well be responsible for all the water coming into my conservatory LOL.

Cheers

Cranberry Gin. What's not to like LOL?

101

Celebrating the life and works of Eric Blair, better known as George Orwell, the Royal Mint has issued this wonderful £2 coin. His perhaps most well known works Animal Farm and 1984 were published in 1945 and 1949 respectively. As a teen I loved both and read them many times over.

The inscription on the edge of the coin states "There was truth and there was untruth." In the age of "my truth" and "alternative facts" this seems so apt.

Sauce

Something to look forward to LOL.

Large Black

Americano. 

It's rude not to LOL.

Twenty-1

Hard to believe my son has a massive birthday today. No doubt at some point I'll review pictures and memories from when he was much younger. Promise I won't bore the Interweb by posting them here LOL.

Feathers

Apparently, according to their Socials, there's a new dodgy character working in my town.

Well done to The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), the University of Reading and of course Aardman LOL.

Trainee Butler

Just how good is this? Now streaming on ITVX.

I have something of a soft spot for the Batman franchaise and loved the prequel series Gotham. Pennyworth, set in an alternate 1960's London, tells the story of the origins of Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred. So a sort of prequel to a prequel, if you like LOL.

Too Soon?

 

Chill

That's cold enough outside, thank you very much. Brrr!

Winter Is Coming?

About time perhaps.

At least the mud might freeze, which many might argue would be preferable.

Done

Happy New Year.

Time to pack away the decorations; that's quite enough Christmas thank you LOL.