This week, as many of you will be aware, is the first Armed Forces Week that the UK has held, with an official Armed Forces Day scheduled for the 27th. As a former serviceman (RN 86-00), I think that it’s about time we celebrated the Armed Forces and the people in it. This is long overdue and is a positive step forward in taking note of the efforts, and sadly in some cases the sacrifices, that our veterans, both old and young alike, have made, and are making on a daily basis for their country.
It’s a shame that Armed Forces Day is not an official bank holiday as it is in the US, as holding this on a weekend will pass many people by, whereas everyone would recognise it if it was held on a Monday, although I suppose it does allow everyone to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the customary style and not then have to get up for work the next day!
On a different note, we thought we’d look up some other events that are worthy of mention and while National Doughnut Week has already gone, we did find the following somewhat less important events that are happening later on this year:
National Shed Week – 6-13 July – If you’re into sheds you’ll be delighted to know that Reader Sheds are offering the opportunity to enter your shed into the Shed of the Year competition to win a cheese subscription. I kid you not.
International Bog Day – 26 July – if you’re in Northern Ireland don’t miss the Northern Ireland Bog Snorkelling Championship 2009!
National Moth Night – 18-19 September – on this night participants throughout the British Isles are encouraged to see what moths they can find in their chosen location and the results are pooled into Britain’s largest survey of what species are on the wing. Quite a good idea really. Submit your moth sightings here.
Feed The Birds Day – 18 October 2009 – you know they’ll love you for it, although we’re not sure how many birds are going to read the RSPB website to find out about it.
Did you also know that 2009 is the International Year of Natural Fibres? You can print your own t-shirts and posters, read fibre stories, and find out about fibre people. Marvellous.
So something for everyone really. We’re thinking of setting up an International Slightly Different Year, so if you are keen to be slightly different and you’re seeking a new website, give us a ring to find out how you can be involved.
