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All in the month of JUNE Remembering John Constable Our Marilyn Monroe – born 100 years this month Remembering G K Chesterton BBC Proms will still celebrate the US – despite Trump’s lawsuit Our potholes are killing us ** Editor:  We continue our column that looks at memorable dates in the month (this time, June)...

It was: 250 years ago, on 11 June 1776 that the Second Continental Congress appointed John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R Livingston and Roger Sherman to create the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. Also 250 years ago, on 11th June, that John Constable, British landscape artist, was born. 150 years ago,...

It was 250 years ago, on 11th June 1776, that John Constable, British landscape artist, was born. Widely known as a painter in the Romantic tradition, Constable had a deeply conservative faith centred on the Church of England, which he viewed as an essential stabilising force in society. His painting of Salisbury Cathedral is regarded...

One hundred years ago, on 1st June 1926, the American film actress, model and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe was born. Remembered for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch and Some Like it Hot, among others, she died in 1962.  Her original name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, and she was born in Los Angeles, spending...

Ninety years ago, on 14th June 1936, G K Chesterton died at his home in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Novelist, short story writer, journalist, essayist, poet, social/literary critic and theologian, he is remembered for his stories about the priest-detective Father Brown. Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in Kensington, London, to an estate agent father and a Swiss-French...

The BBC will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a programme of American classical music this summer. That is while Donald Trump pursues his multi-million lawsuit against the corporation. But he is not the only thing that is making the BBC uneasy. BBC insiders are also wary of the shifting political...

The number of people injured or even killed by falling into potholes has increased by almost 50 per cent in just the last five years. Motorists, passengers and pedestrians are all at risk. From 270 incidents in 2020, it now stands at 393 in 2024, the last year for which figures are available. In 2024,...

All in the month of May The Great Exhibition that started the V & A Remembering the General Strike of 1926 Happy 70th Birthday, Eurovision Song Contest RHS lifts its ban on gnomes for Chelsea National Biscuit Day – 29th May I’ll take Manhattan ** Editor:  We continue our column that looks at memorable dates...

It was: 400 years ago, on 4th May 1626 that the Dutch explorer Peter Minuit arrived on the east coast of what is now the USA. He negotiated the purchase of Manhattan Island from the Lenape Native Americans for $24 worth of cloth and buttons. (Equal to about $1,150 today.) 300 years ago, on 25th...

Some 175 years ago, from 1st May to 15th October 1851, the Great Exhibition was held in The Crystal Palace, Hyde Park. More than 10,000 exhibitors attended what is regarded as the first World’s Fair. Prince Albert was an enthusiastic promoter of the exhibition, which was described by some as a reaction to the successful...

One hundred years ago, from 4th to 12th May 1926, there was a General Strike in the UK. It was called by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in support of 1.2 million coal miners. The strike lasted nine days, but had little effect in the long term. The aim was to force the Conservative government, led by...

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest, to be held 12th to 16th May in Vienna, will look a bit different as it marks its 70thbirthday. That is because Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have opted out, as a protest to the inclusion of Israel in the contest, following the war in Gaza. That is...