Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday of November every year, and this year it falls on the 9th November.

Remembrance Sunday marks the end to hostilities of the First World War, and the poppy has been the symbol of remembrance since 1921. Inspired by the World War I poem; 'In Flanders Fields', they were initially used by the American Legion to remember the American soldiers lost in the war, and were later adopted by other countries. Today, they are largely used by the UK and Canada, to remember all men and women who have died in all conflicts since 1914.

So if you want to remember the day with others, don't forget to head to a local church or War memorial this Sunday morning. Newport Pagnell Remembrance parade takes place on Sunday starting at 10am, and starts at Queens Avenue going along the High Street and ending at the church and war memorial.

Let's remember.

Newport Pagnell Carnival- This Weekend!

It's that time of year again, the famous Newport Pagnell Carnival is back for two days, and it's set to be bigger and better than ever! This year's theme is 'Go wild at Carnival' which you can interpret as you wish, but I'm envisioning tigers and bears...

Over 40 floats will be hitting the high street on the Saturday of the carnival this year as part of the grand parade, with a variety of local groups and charities showcasing their work and many in fancy dress. One of the highlights of the Carnival, the variety of decorated floats is always entertaining and interesting, many of them are highly inventive and it's great to see what people are able to create! The parade kicks off at 12 midday and tends to last a couple of hours, giving you the rest of the day to enjoy the other elements of the Carnival. All money raised will be going to a great selection of local groups and charities, so it's a very worthwhile cause.

Other attractions through Saturday include:

• A live music stage for all the family
• Petting zoo- where you can get up close and meet the animals
• Funfair
• Golf simulators
• A great selection of foods
• Bar
• Inflatable play area
• And a vast number of stalls to browse

Saint Patrick's day

So yesterday was Saint Patrick's day- did you celebrate it?! I always find it a bit bizarre how the day has become such a big thing in the UK, understandably it will be so for the Irish, as Saint Patrick's day is their cultural and religious holiday, but why do so many others seem to celebrate it? Do we really know what the day is about or just want an excuse to drink Guinness?! I'm not too sure but am leaning toward the latter so decided to refresh my memory on what it really is about...

The 17th March is the death date of the the most commonly recognised patron saint of Ireland; Saint Patrick. Back in the 17th century, Saint Patrick's day started as a Christian feast day, celebrating the introduction of Christianity to Ireland, as well as Irish culture and heritage in general. The tradition of drinking alcohol to celebrate began with lifting the lenten ban on alcohol for the day, and with Guinness being the Irish drink of choice it has become something of a tradition. Another tradition for the day is wearing shamrocks and green clothing/accessories.

What did you get up to yesterday? Are you nursing a sore head from consuming one too many drinks in celebrating the day? Did you attend one of the many Saint Patrick's day events or parades?- There were a few here around Milton Keynes, clearly you don't have to be Irish to enjoy the holiday! Whether you celebrated or not, we hope you had a good one!