FOR the next two weeks celebrations will be taking place, not only in Asia, but also across the UK as the Chinese New Year is ushered in. There is no fixed date for China’s most important festival because it runs on the lunar calendar. But the memorable day normally falls between late January and February. But yesterday marked the Year of the Dog. Anyone born this year or in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042 and 2054 will have the dog as their Chinese zodiac sign. For those born in the Year of the Dog, you are meant to have honest and loyal characteristics. Most people will also know that there are 11 other animals in the Chinese zodiac - monkey, rooster, rat, pig, ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, goat or the mythical dragon. The zodiac suggests those born in the Year of the Dog will get along with the tiger, rabbit and horse - but avoid those born in the year of the ox, dragon, goat and rooster. Over the next two weeks, it is … [Read more...] about Celebrating Chinese New Year in Gwent
Who celebrates new years first
#LadyWimbledon’s spotlight: There’s a lot of New Year love in Merton
There are no two ways about it, January is depressing. With endless grey skies, dull streets stripped of fairy lights and no trace of snow it’s difficult to find the usual momentum to put on smiles, heels and celebrate all of Wimbledon's usual glory. However, there is a lot of love in Merton at the moment as our hero pub The Alexandra has launched 'Meet up Mondays;' offering free tea, coffee, sandwiches and bingo to anyone who feels lonely. The Sound Lounge has also opened it's heart to the community during the 'Friendship Coffee Hour' for anyone alone or unemployed every Thursday at 11am. My own inbox is already starting to fill up with invitations to new shop launch parties, charity events and health workshops. The first event of the year was at the glorious The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon Village, attended by local businesses, press, residents and The Ivy regulars. Robert Holmes, Mark Gordon, editor of Darling magazine Karine Torr and I were given a sneak peek of their winter … [Read more...] about #LadyWimbledon’s spotlight: There’s a lot of New Year love in Merton
‘Lady Wimbledon’ spotlight: There’s a lot of New Year love in Merton
There are no two ways about it, January is depressing. With endless grey skies, dull streets stripped of fairy lights and no trace of snow it’s difficult to find the usual momentum to put on smiles, heels and celebrate all of Wimbledon's usual glory. However, there is a lot of love in Merton at the moment as our hero pub The Alexandra has launched 'Meet up Mondays;' offering free tea, coffee, sandwiches and bingo to anyone who feels lonely. The Sound Lounge has also opened it's heart to the community during the 'Friendship Coffee Hour' for anyone alone or unemployed every Thursday at 11am. My own inbox is already starting to fill up with invitations to new shop launch parties, charity events and health workshops. The first event of the year was at the glorious The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon Village, attended by local businesses, press, residents and The Ivy regulars. Robert Holmes, Mark Gordon, editor of Darling magazine Karine Torr and I were given a sneak peek of their winter … [Read more...] about ‘Lady Wimbledon’ spotlight: There’s a lot of New Year love in Merton
Music preview: Big Country’s Bruce Watson prepares to celebrate 35 years of the band’s iconic debut album The Crossing at Celtic Connections
0 Have your say Bruce Watson was an apprentice at Rosyth Dockyard when he teamed up with Stuart Adamson to form Big Country in the early 80s. As he prepares to celebrate 35 years since iconic debut album The Crossing, the guitarist tells Fiona Shepherd about the band’s early days In December, Big Country and The Skids, those two Dunfermline rock behemoths, linked in spirit and bereavement, played a joint gig for the first time ever, raising funds for Paisley’s Loud n Proud rock school. For guitarist Bruce Watson, a member of both bands along with his son Jamie, this was potentially double trouble. “I try not to cross-contaminate the two bands if possible but I think our paths will cross in the future,” he says.Both groups are very much active in 2018. Big Country are marking the 35th birthday of their stirring, soaring debut album, The Crossing, including a date at Celtic Connections. Meanwhile, The Skids’ 40th anniversary celebrations continue … [Read more...] about Music preview: Big Country’s Bruce Watson prepares to celebrate 35 years of the band’s iconic debut album The Crossing at Celtic Connections
School celebrates 90 years of independent success
BILLERICAY school pupils have been celebrating 90 years of independent education. St John’s School, the only independent school in Billericay, first opened in January 1928. Set within eight acres of land backing on to Lake Meadows the school has seen a lot of changes over the years. The main school house still exists at the front of the school, however many of the smaller wooden outbuildings have been demolished to make way for a three storey building which opened in 2009 and houses the junior and senior school. Headteacher, Fiona Armour, said: “Although our academic success over the years has been exceptional, we are equally proud that we have educated thousands of children who are confident, successful and who genuinely make a positive contribution to society when they leave.” The school launched a new school uniform to commemorate the 90 year anniversary. It will also be holding a Gala May Ball and other events throughout the school year to mark the … [Read more...] about School celebrates 90 years of independent success