Think of our Forces this Christmas

[UlsterBrit] As you sit there reading this entry over the festive season, stop and spare a thought for the brave service men and women of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and their families. Think about the troops who are recovering from injuries, those who are spending this Christmas away from their families and those who have bravely layed down their lives in the line of duty.

While you are at home filling yourself with Turkey and stuffing, think of those who have to work under constant threat and stress in the most appalling conditions. Think of the many families and friends who have lost their loved ones at the hands of the EVIL followers of the sinister cult that is Islam. The pain of irreplaceable loss endured by those families, who won’t be sharing this Christmas with the ones they have painfully lost.

But most of all think about this. Why are our soldiers out there fighting a never-ending war in foreign lands and spilling their blood on foreign soil? For democracy? To defend our democratic rights and freedoms from the tyranny of Islam? Our national security? These are the alleged causes that our troops are fighting for. But what is the point? And is there any truth behind these supposed reasons? Our troops are fighting on the wrong front. Fighting an illegal war constructed by the British Labour Party, a bunch of traitorous, left-wing, socialist bastards and the evil Republican Bush Administration in the Land of the Arrogant, home of the criminally insane - United States of America.

Instead, our troops should be fighting our biggest threat, right here, on our door step. The European Union is undoubtedly the biggest threat to our nation since the Second World War, in which our grandfathers fought hard in order for us to remain free, many of which resulted in paying a very costly price indeed. Gordon Brown and his under-educated chums of the Labour Party are sitting in parliament, rubbing their hands with glee as they slowly but surely sell Britannia and her Crown dependant nations down the river to Brussels, in return receiving massive pay packets and bonuses.

Our troops are sworn to protect our Monarch, the Royal family and the country. Our Government instead have our soldiers positioned at the wrong front, in order to allow a smooth and stealthy take over of the United Kingdom by surrendering all of our powers and rights to govern ourselves as a sovereign and independent nation.

As stated by a law made in the 17th Century (which still stands to this day) it is treason to surrender or give powers or governance to any foreign leader or government. Surely this is a valid reason for Her Majesty to call the troops to arms at home to defend our borders. That this is a valid reason for Her Majesty to order the Police Service to arrest the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, for the crime of treason. This allows Her Majesty to dissolve parliament and call for democratic elections in order to allow the public to have a Prime Minister that is actually elected, as is the normal function of the British political system.

In theory, Gordon Brown’s government is really a dictatorship. It is on the same primitive level as that of a government, run by Robert Mugabe. A government of dictatorship and totalitarianism. The only difference between the two is that Robert Mugabe was elected whereas Brown, was pushed into office after Tony Blair resigned. Gordon Brown never ran for Prime Minister, but always had the ambition to become Prime Minister, whatever the cost and by any means necessary. Gordon also broke the promise that Blair and his government made on a referendum regarding  the Lisbon Treaty, which is basically the old Constitution, with the exception of the altered title of course.

No matter what Gordon does, he displays the classic signs of a third-world, backward thinking government. He is unelected, he is telling us how we are allowed to live, what we can and can’t say, we are constantly having our movements monitored via CCTV or Government databases at airports and refuses to give up power at the request of not only the members of his party, but the wishes of at least 95% of the nation. Most alarmingly he is forcing us into a government we don’t want to be a part of – a Unified Federation of Europe (I.E. United States of Europe).

This is exactly where he broke his promise to millions of Britons living in the UK. Gordon doesn’t care about the citizens of Britain. He is more interested in a large annual salary and the bonuses he will get for surrendering the UK to the widely hated European Union.

This is where the topic comes in line with our brave soldiers, airmen/women and sailors of the present and the past. Brown is telling our heros to fuck off and die, whilst urinating on the graves and spirits of our ancestors who fought and died for the establishment and stability of the nation, its freedoms and democracy we Britons enjoy so much. A democracy which has been copied in parliaments through-out the world, known as the ‘Westminster System’.

The Freedoms to Practise and Follow all religions have gone, thanks to the left-wing Labour Party. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc are welcome to practice their religion. Christians however are penalised, denied the wearing of religious symbols or openly talking about Jesus. So much so that the labour government have for years been planning the demise of celebrating of Christian Holidays, by seeking to ban Christmas trees and decorations, the censorship of the word ‘Christmas’ on television, in the fear that they will offend the muslim minority.

The flames and the spirit of freedom of speech are dampened almost to the point of extinction under the Labour government. The right to talk freely about what you think or express your opinions is a crime. Talk negatively about Islam, immigrants, or in some cases bodies of authority, are all condemned by the somewhat, totalitarian regime of a left-wing government.

Anybody or person seen as a threat to the interests of the party, are silenced by court orders, hearings and fines. Sometimes even prison. A fine example of such sinister actions can be found in the case of the fast growing and uprising of the British National Party. Branded by the liberal left as a racist and fascist party, the BNP have had their honest credibility trailed through the bitter, foul-smelling muds of the left-wing, deliberately performed publically in order to ridicule the BNP in front of the nation. Having government-funded fundamentalist groups of students and unions take the BNP to court over their membership criteria. In order to join the BNP you must be a native of the UK (in the sence of an Aboriginal or Native American). The groups in question, ran by the left-wing, attack the ‘threat’ of the right-wing by claiming that the BNP, as a result of their membership policy, are racist as they only permit ‘whites’ to join. What about the Black Police Officer’s Association? Or the Muslim Council of England? Non-whites are only permitted entrance to the Black Police Officers Association and muslims are only permitted access onto the Muslim Council. Is this not discrimination? No? Then why can’t the ‘British National’ Party not only accept natives of Britain as members? Is this really democracy where one group must operate under one law, and another operate under a different law?

Britain is as its Governing Party is – Up the left. And it is time we, as a nation, change Britain for the greater good - to the way she used to be. A fair, and democratic society. A free and sovereign nation, in which the people can decide lawfully and freely who they want as their head of government, and who decides their laws.

Reject the EU, and burn its flag in protest, ensuring that the Most Grand and Glorious Union Flag is forever raised high above any other foreign flag flown in our nation. Keep us free, support our heros and deny Labour another chance to totally destroy our beautiful and historic country, in which so many of its citizens have spilled their blood in order to keep us free.

God Save the Queen, and may Britannia rule the waves once more.

Just a few days ago I was quietly complaining about Christina’s apparent disappearance from the social scene; then new candids have surfaced and my crave for new outfits has calmed. She was spotted arriving at Cecconi’s restaurant in West Hollywood, where she celebrated her 29th birthday with her husband Jordan. I’ve already expressed my appreciation for her new hairstyle, she looks lovely with this side-parted short bob.

The first two things that have immediately caught my attention are the amazing silver over-the-knee boots and the Union Jack box clutch, peculiar accessories she wore to complete what looks like an all-black outfit. Unfortunately it is still unknown what she wore under the double-breasted coat – something very short, for sure – but in any case she looked gorgeous.

Her Supra Fifre boots are by her favourite shoe designer, Christian Louboutin. The black leather or black suede versions of these boots have been seen on many celebrities, but the silver leather version have been seen on Christina and Leighton Meester (in her music video Somebody to Love) only. I’ve never been a fan of over-the-knee boots, so I don’t think I would ever wear them, but they have been one of the biggest trends in 2009 and this style is surely one of the best around.

Her Union Jack skull clutch is an unmistakable creation by Alexander McQueen, which mixes the United Kingdom flag with one of McQueen’s trade-marks, the (pearl-eyed) skull. I love Alexander McQueen’s unique style and his genius modern version of the Victorian and Gothic periods. Of all his accessories this skull clutch is my favourite, because it gracefully pays homage to his national flag, with a Gothic touch.

Dita Von Teese, Eva Green and Mel B are the celebrities who have been spotted with this beauty in their hands.

Just for the record, McQueen is not the only designer who has paid homage to the Union Jack flag. Karl Lagerfeld included a Union Jack quilted bag in Chanel Pre-Fall 2008 collection, Paris-Londres, which soon became the coveted it bag of the season. The British model Agyness Deyn and the British actress Emma Watson were among the lucky ones to tote this lovely bag around.

Christina’s choice to sport her Union Jack clutch was perfect for that outfit, but that is not the only Alexander McQueen bag she owns. In fact, Christina is a fan of McQueen’s accessories (she loves his skull chiffon scarves and his button ankle boots), and she always chooses peculiar bags. This is one of the reasons why I love her style so much: she is not completely mainstream, she doesn’t wear clothes or accessories because they are trendy, she chooses hard-to-find versions of popular styles and makes them part of her personal style.

Many celebrities have been seen with a Novak bag, but Christina was the only one to sport this stunning version with Swarovski pink crystals. I am speechless, because this bag is beyond gorgeous: I love the powder pink colour and the sparkling crystals which make it so precious.

In March 2009, she was spotted with a special version of another McQueen bag, the Elsie, made of gathered patent leather. Even in this case, she was the only one to sport this ombrè black-and-dark pink version. I don’t like the shape of this bag, but the ombrè effect of Christina’s is lovely.

Last but not least, here is the lovely mini frame bag she sported some months ago. McQueen has often paid homage to his Scottish origins, and this is an example, because the shape of the bag is reminiscent of the traditional sporran. The extravagant McQueen touch is not missing, because the bag is made peculiar by two metal figurines – an aeroplane and a soldier – hanging from a ring on the front of the bag.

What are your opinions about Christina’s outfit? And what do you think of her passion for McQueen’s accessories? Do you second that?

Source and source.

Once again, here’s a quick update on some further products I’ve come across after I’ve posted on a trend. They also include my new obsession Undergrowth Design – I have to have that sugar bowl!!

The Body

Games

Rule Britannia

Skull

Check out Dita showing off her love for all things British with this gorgeous union jack box bag. It compliments her electric blue dress perfectly. Union jack themed pieces are all the rage so show some patriocity and grab yourself a flagged bargain!

Union Jack Bag with Strap £37.19 from BUTTERANDWILSON.CO.UK
Britannia Rocks Top £10.00 from NEWLOOK.CO.UK
Ruched Side Union Jack Print Top £12.28 from YESSTYLE.COM

Trevor Ivory launches a campaign to get the Union Jack flown by North Norfolk District Council all year round.

Trevor Ivory is asking everyone to sign the petition to get the Union Jack flown from the Council offices all year round.

In the week that the new Speaker of the House of Commons has agreed to fly the Union Jack over the Houses of Parliament all year round, North Norfolk’s Conservative Candidate, Trevor Ivory, is calling on North Norfolk District Council to do the same.  The Council currently flies the British flag at its offices in Cromer only on special occasions and Mr Ivory wants to see it flying proudly all year round.

“Britain is a great nation and we should not be ashamed to show it.  Our flag is recognised the world over as a symbol of freedom and democracy and I think it should be flow on all public buildings in this country – including North Norfolk District Council’s offices,” said Mr Ivory as he launched the campaign.

“The new police station building next door to the Council offices is flying the flag and I do not understand why our District Council is not showing the same pride and patriotism.  At a time when our brave armed forces are fighting overseas, I think it is even more important that the flag is flown here at home.  It is only right that our councillors see the flag every time they enter the Council Chamber, to remind them of the honour and privilege that it is to be a small part of the government of our great country.”

Mr Ivory has launched a petition and is asking people to sign-up to show their support for the campaign.

“If we can show that there is enough support for the flag to be flown all year round, the District Council will have to listen.” Mr Ivory added.

“I have wanted to see the Union Jack flown by the Council all year round for a long time now and I am delighted to support Trevor’s campaign,” said Angie Tillett, the Leader of the Conservatives on the Council.

To sign the petition, click here.

]]> http://bigrab.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/guess-who-we-met-at-the-airport/ Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:34:09 +0000 bigrab http://bigrab.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/guess-who-we-met-at-the-airport/

Ian Dale has been running a caption competition for this one

Feel free to join in.

From my book  CHILDHOOD MEMOIRS

 Goddess Saraswaty’s eldest son Mathematics holds a venerable position in the family followed by Physics. Both are allied like Ram and Laxman.

 Later on, came Chemistry and Biology. Alas! Geography and History are just poor cousins! In India our ancestors were too much concerned about Atma and Paramatma to be bothered about such mundane matters like the Mountains and Rivers and the Seas. Even Al Beruni’s India, written after A.D. 1000, contains only sketchy description of a few rivers.

 While Alexander the Great sent an expedition to explore the river Indus up to the Sea (Alexander wanted to return to Greece through the seas about which coastal Europeans were acquainted through Sea Traders from the time of Phoenicians; but the attempt failed because of inclement whether and pestilence, to the disappointment of the great Emperor), did any of the Kings who ruled this region afterwards care to do it?

 The Chinese marine traders made a map of the known world, including parts of Africa, even two millennia ago. By 18th century Portuguese made comparatively accurate maps, which were kept very secret, in consideration of Trade Wars, even though much of it was destroyed in fire.

 Captain Cook was a good Cartographer. He sailed round part of Australia and  the New Zealand islands,and the map he made is remarkably accurate. He planted the Union Jack there and on return to England offered the Island on a platter to the Queen! Thus it becomes part of Her Majesty’s Empire!

 Indian is much nearer to Australia and N.Z. With such a shore line and good quality wood for the shipping industry, we could have produced great explorers and history would have been different. We just don’t care about geography. How many of us can describe off hand, the States bordering Chattisgarh? Do we have a geographic society like the National Geographic Society (USA) for the Royal Geographic Society (UK) which foots the bill of innumerable expeditions?

 Only when the British Rule was established, a comprehensive survey of the land was undertaken. I feel that children should not be taught Geography; they should learn it like their mother tongue. They just cannot read the maps on flat papers. A Geographic park will automatically enliven their interest in the subject. The waste land South of Nizamuddin Bridge to East Delhi is ideally suited for the purpose. The outline of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh can be marked, measuring at least one kilometre, and sand excavated from surrounding “Seas’’ filled in the “subcontinent’’. Thus, Himalayas as high as 20 feet and other mountains of proportionate hight can be made.

 By fitting pipelines under the mountains, water can be made to spout from the origin of the rivers to make them “flow’’. Dams and Great Bridges can be made at actual location, along with major Rail routs and National Highway. Green grass can be grown at important grain producing plains. Shrubs can indicate forest. Suitable models of the Gateway of India, Rameshwaram Temple, Charminar etc. can show actual location of the concerned cities and towns. Even Power Plants and Electric grid can be simulated. 

 A Water Park may be made in the “Seas’’ with Floating Shops and Restaurants. Illuminated by Solar Powered Electricity, the area can became a destination point for Delhi-ites who desperately throng the India Gate in the evenings, for want of something better.

In due course, the “Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean’’ can be dug, leaving contour maps of Africa, America etc. We may think of a Deer Park in Africa and Goshala in America! And what about a Solar System where students can watch the movements of planets and occurrence of eclipses?

After a visit to the Park, children will learn more of Geography, than they can learn in ten years!

Thought I’d have a change from the animal kingdom with something a little more patriotic – dedicated to Mr Dave FunkyPancake who’s embracing a whole new flag nowadays.

(Looks like I’ll have to invest in some more Lego sooner than later as as you can see from the reverse side of the flag I had utilise a more non-traditional building approach.)

]]> http://liveraf.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/violence-at-nottingham-anti-islam-demo/ Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:29:25 +0000 AKblack&red http://liveraf.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/violence-at-nottingham-anti-islam-demo/

Eleven men have been arrested during violent skirmishes at a demonstration by the English Defence League.

A 29-year-old WPC was taken to hospital after she suffered an arm injury while policing a cordon at the protest in Nottingham city centre. All of those arrested during the march by 500 members of the EDL were held for public order offences and no-one was seriously injured, said Nottinghamshire Police. One of those detained needed hospital treatment after he kicked a police dog, which retaliated and bit him.

Police leave was cancelled and Nottinghamshire Police drafted more than 700 officers, many from outside forces, in a £1 million security operation to prevent violence during the rally outside Nottingham Castle.

Many members of the far-right group, which says it stands against Islamic extremism, had their faces covered with scarves and hooded tops as they chanted: “We want our country back.” The crowd also sang the National Anthem and football-style chants before gathering next to the city’s famous statue of Robin Hood, which had been covered with chip-board to prevent it getting damaged. Other protesters had Union Jacks and St George’s flags which they either waved or wrapped around their shoulders, while some held placards which read: “Protect Women, No To Sharia” and “No Surrender”.

All images courtesy of Fil Kaler

Extra mounted officers and dog sections were called in to contain members of the EDL, some of whom had been drinking from early in the morning. A police officer barked instructions at the crowd from a helicopter circling overhead, while constables filmed suspected agitators with video cameras.

Councillor Jon Collins, leader of Nottingham City Council, praised the force for its operation, which saw it dealing with a nearby counter-demonstration by Unite Against Fascism. He said: “Anybody watching the EDL could see right from the start that any idea that they were here for a peaceful demonstration was complete nonsense. They were here for a fight and to provoke a fight.”

He added: “I am sure their political views are as they state but I am equally sure that they are a pretext for a fight more than anything else.”

Originally published in the Independent on Sunday

What’s left of Jim’s Union Jack flying over the allotments, showing the ravages of North Devon breezes.

The more affordable version of  the Aspinal one. Playful & more glittery.

Vespa is an Italian line of scooters manufactured by Piaggio.

The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera, Italy—to a full line of scooters and one of seven companies today owned by Piaggio—now Europe’s largest manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles and the world’s fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer by unit sales.

From their inception, Vespa scooters have been known for their painted, pressed steel unibody which combines a complete cowling for the engine (enclosing the engine mechanism and concealing dirt or grease), a flat floorboard (providing foot protection), and a prominent front fairing (providing wind protection) into a structural unit.

The Vespa was the first globally successful scooter.

See all our Union Jack Canvas Art

yes, he can be annoying.

Why do countries have flags? Are they a requirement? What do they mean? What do the colours and symbols stand for?

The Year 8 are currently analysing the Union flag or Union Jack as it is more popularly known. It represents four different countries and has had several design changes in its 300 year history. England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales make up the countries which form the United Kingdom and the Union Jack represents this state. They each have different reasons for wanting to form an alliance or become part of a larger state. You can find out yourself via the Year 8 links but this post is about the bigger picture. A modern flag is pictured below. Do you recognise it and what do you think it stands for?

Is it an important flag? Do you recognise those below and how do they compare with others?

Each of the flags above are important but do you know why. The Year 8 students are currently researching their own flags. They will hopefully find out new things about their own country. Their work will be put on display so students can learn off one another.

What is the purpose of a flag? Here are some answers from around the world…

Flags have been used in one form or another for more than 4,000 years. They were used as a means of communication, initially for military purposes and then for identifying signals at sea. They evolved to represent royal houses, then countries and other levels of government, businesses, military ranks and units, sports teams, and political parties.   NEW ZEALAND

The flag is a symbol of the nation. It represents the purpose and resolve of the nation and was first expressed by our Founding Fathers who founded the new nation. The flag represents the history and future of our country. USA

The Australian National Flag identifies a free and democratic people in a nation united in purpose. Our national flag belongs equally to all Australians whatever their origins. Each of the symbols on the flag has a special meaning for Australians. The stars of the Southern Cross represent our geographic position in the Southern Hemisphere; the Commonwealth star stands for our federation of States and Territories; the Crosses represent the principles on which our nation is based, namely, parliamentary democracy, rule of law and freedom of speech. AUSTRALIA

How long have countries had their own flags? The oldest flag we have today is the Danish one above. Throughout history flags have represented people, groups or organisations. Read the following article to gain a better idea of the history.

A brief history of flags

How to draw the Union Jack?

Le froid est revenu ! Eh bah, il peut retourner d’où il vient parce que les cheveux qui frisent comme un teckel (ça frise un teckel au moins ?!) c’est gentil mais NON MERCI !  Quoique je peux (enfin) revêtir mes grosses écharpes, mes pulls et surtout mon gilet en fourrure ! Yeah Avant de passer à l’interview, je vous donne la recette de ce collier original qui a l’air de beaucoup vous plaire.

Ingrédients : - une chaîne            – un porte-clef original

Recette : Prenez votre porte-clef et ôtez lui l’attache qui lui sert à porter les clefs puis enfilez le porte-clef (sans l’attache) sur votre chaîne (ou sur un cordon, ça marche aussi) et voilà, le tour est  joué

Maintenant, passons à la blogueuse du jour. Elle s’appelle Julie, elle tient Le Blog de Candy, elle est pétillante, sympa et c’est une vraie fashion addict. Je sens qu’elle va vous plaire. Julie, c’est à toi…

Comment définirais-tu ton style ? A vrai dire je ne pense pas avoir un style en particulier. D’ailleurs je suis pas très fan de ces petites boîtes dans lesquelles on met les gens suivant ce qu’ils semblent être. Disons que je suis changeante, un jour un style. Un jour c’est boyfriend et tee, le lendemain c’est robe et ballerines. J’aime bien l’idée de pouvoir toucher à tout justement. Mais pour se faire une idée quannd même, je suis très blouse romantique, robe à volant, jupes sous toutes ses formes, talons ultra féminins, ballerines, sautoir avec un grigri un peu vintage au bout, gros noeud, couleurs poudrées… sauf que dans la vie de tous les jours c’est pas toujours envisageable, du moins dans la mienne, alors je m’adapte.

Où pioches-tu tes inspirations ? Mon inspiration principale vient évidement des blogs. Je trouve que la mode vue par d’autres telles que moi est ce qu’il y a de plus vrai et de plus riche. Ces blogs m’offrent une infinité de possibilités, de styles, de tenues. Même si tous ne collent pas à ce que je porterais, tous sans exception m’inspirent que ce soit pour une idée d’association ou pour une pièce. Je détaille beaucoup les filles dans la rue aussi, mais disons que par chez moi, l’originalité ne court pas les rues. Moyenne d’âge : 12 ans // Fournisseur officiel : Miss Coquines. Douteux… Pour l’inspiration on repassera. Et à contrario les défilés me laissent totalement froide, je suis incapable de faire sortir une quelconque idée d’une tenue portée par un mannequin. J’aime la mode accessible.

Quand et pourquoi as-tu décidé de créer un blog ? La création de mon blog coïncide avec mon déménagement, mon départ du cocon familial. Autour de moi et dans ma ville, la mode n’a pas vraiment d’importance. Ma mère m’a toujours dit qu’ils avaient du m’échanger à la naissance, que ce n’était pas possible qu’elle ait pu faire une fille tellement opposée à elle, elle qui ne connait rien à notre univers, qui s’en désintéresse totalement et qui crie au scandale quand je lui parle de tous ces sacs et chaussures hors de prix. Alors j’avais besoin de trouver un endroit pour partager ce que j’aime, la mode et tout ce qui s’y rapporte. Ce qu’il me fallait c’était un lien avec d’autres comme moi, un endroit pour être comprise. Et comme nous toutes je crois, je suivais les autres blogs tout en restant dans l’ombre. C’est là que l’idée a commencé à germer, elle a fait son chemin au fil des mois et quand l’Homme est rentré à la maison avec le nouveau reflex, je me suis jetée à l’eau. Un blog c’était ça qu’il me fallait. Et mon blog répond parfaitement à toutes mes attentes, je me sens plutôt bien dans ce petit monde à part qu’est celui des blogueuses mode.

Une icône mode pour toi ? Je n’ai pas d’icône de mode. Je ne suis pas particulièrement les looks des filles célèbres comme les mannequins ou les actrices. Encore une fois je vous préfère, vous, les blogueuses ! Mais puisqu’il faut que je donne au moins un nom, je dirais les soeurs Olsen évidemment, Blake Lively, Clémence Poésy et Katie Holmes. Pour le peu que je connaisse d’elles et sans qu’elles soient pour moi des icônes, j’aime beaucoup leur style. Et bien sûr il y a l’incontournable Karl !

Enfin, une pièce mode que tu rêverais d’acquérir ?  Bon si je dis le 2.55 Chanel noir je suis pas du tout originale, n’est ce pas ?! Alors même si je le veux vraiment de tout mon coeur, je vais en citer un autre : je rêve du Légende noir avec les zips doré de chez Longchamp, je pense qu’il sera mon prochain gros achat.

Sous Pull La City – Short H&M – Gilet en fourrure Cheap – Boots Vintage – Collier fait par moi même – Bagues souvenirs from Grèce – Sac donné par mamie !

イギリス議会の2009−10年度会期が始まった。初日である昨日11月18日には、「State Opening of Parliament（議会開会式）」と呼ばれる伝統に則った華麗なセレモニーが、議事堂であるウェストミンスター宮殿で行われた。

議会開会式は、通常11月が12月、または総選挙の年の新しい議会の初日に行われる。議会開会式ではまず、ヨーマン・オブ・ザ・ガードにより、現代版火薬陰謀事件を防ぐという名目で、ウェストミンスター宮殿の地下室をくまなく調べる。君主である女王が住居を出る前には、House of Commons（庶民院）の議員が、女王の安全を守るという名目のために、儀式上の人質としてバッキンガム宮殿に連れて行かれるが、女王が無事帰ってこられた折りには解放されることになっている。女王は、公式馬車で議会に到着。女王が儀式に出席しておられる間は、イギリスの国旗・ユニオンジャックに代わり、「Royal Standard」と呼ばれる王旗が掲げられる。そして、

ローブと王冠を身につけた女王が、エジンバラ公に付き添われ、House of Lords（貴族院）に入場されると、庶民院議員を召喚するために黒杖官（こくじょうかん、Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod）が議場に遣わされる。黒杖官が扉の前まで来ると、目の前でドアがばたんと閉められるが、これは庶民院の独立性の象徴だとのことだ。その後、黒杖官は持っている杖で3度ドアを叩いたあと、中に招き入れられる。

そして、守衛官（Serjeant-at-Arms）が英国下院議長の職杖（ceremonial mace）を手に、議長、黒杖官とともに、二人一組になった庶民院議員を率いて、貴族院に向かう。首相と野党党首が通常並んで歩き（今年はゴードン・ブラウンとデービッド・キャメロン）、その後２列になった議員たちが続く。庶民院議員はスピーチの間、女王の反対側に当たる横木の後ろに立って聞いている。女王は中立性を示す平坦な語りによって、「Speech from the Throne」または「Queen’s Speech（女王演説）」と呼ばれる、内閣によって用意された政府の来年度の施政方針を読みあげる。その後は、両議員とも議場に戻り、スピーチの議題を議論する、と言う段取りだ。

伝統を重んじるイギリスらしい、時代錯誤とも思える儀式だが、君主である女王、庶民院、貴族院による国の統治と、それぞれの独立性を国民に示すという意味で、重要なのだそうだ。恥ずかしながら、7年間イギリスに住んでいながら、この儀式をちゃんと見たことはおろか、その存在すらも意識していなかったのだが、少し前に議会見学ツアーに参加したので、今年の「State Opening of Parliament」は興味を持って見た。儀式の所作ひとつひとつに歴史的意味があり、その意味を知れば知る程面白いなあと思う。

ちなみに約75分のこの議会見学ツアー、見所満載の歴史あるウェストミンスター宮殿の中をゆっくり見て回ることができ、経験豊富なツアーガイドがユーモアたっぷりに歴史や蘊蓄を語ってくれる。出口には小さいお土産物のショップもあって、「Parliament」ロゴのお土産も買えるので、ご興味がある方はぜひ（Parliament Website）。しロンドンに来るのが無理なら、オンラインツアーもありますよ。Yesterday on November 18 was the day of the annual State Opening of Parliament to marks the commencement of a 2009-10 session of the Parliament. It is held in the House of Lords Chamber, usually in November or December, or in a General Election year when the new Parliament first assembles.

 

In this lavish ceremony, firstly the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are searched by the Yeomen of the Guard in order to prevent a modern-day Gunpowder Plot. Before the monarch departs her residence, the Crown takes a member of the House of Commons to Buckingham Palace as a ceremonial hostage, to guarantee the safety of the Queen. But don’t worry, the hostage is released upon the safe return of the Queen.

The Queen arrives at the Parliament in a horse-drawn coach. The Royal Standard is hoisted to replace the Union Jack on the Queen’s entrance and remains while she is in attendance. After she takes on the Robes of State and the Imperial State Crown, the Queen proceeds to the House of Lords, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Then Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod is called to summon the member of the Commons to hear her speach. When he approaches the doors to the chamber of the Commons, the doors are slammed in his face on his approach – symbolising the independence of the Commons. He strikes the door three times with his Black Rod, and is then admitted.

The Serjeant-at-Arms picks up the ceremonial mace and, with the Speaker and Black Rod, leads the Members of the House of Commons to walk in pairs towards the House of Lords. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition (Gordon Brown and David Cameron this year) usually walk side by side, followed by the two lines of MPs. Inside the chamber, the Commons stand behind the Bar of the House of Lords, and remain there during the speech.

The Queen reads a prepared speech written by the Cabinet, known as the Speech from the Throne or the Queen’s Speech, outlining the Government’s agenda for the coming year, in the presence of members of both Houses. The Queen reads the entire speech in the same tone, so as to indicate her neutrality. Following the State Opening, the Government’s programme presented in the Queen’s Speech is debated by both Houses.

This anachronistic State Opening of Parliament is not a mere historical ritual but also has symbolic significance to demonstrate the governance of UK; the Crown-in-Parliament (Her Majesty, together with the House of Commons and the House of Lords) and the separation of powers. Embarrassed say but I had never paid attention nor was I aware of the ceremony at all during my 7 years life in UK, but I happened to have a chance to join a tour of the Parliament the other day, and I enjoyed watching this year’s State Opening – each ceremonial process and action has its historical meaning and the more I know, the more intriguing.

The 75 minutes tour of Parliament offers you to see inside of the historical Westminster Palace with an experienced tour guide explaining its history and episodes with full of British (old man’s) humor.  If you are interested, check our their website for details. If you cannot come to London, online tour is available as well

Majestic, flamboyant and stunningly original!

AoL has teamed the iconic and head-turning Brit clutch wallet with a beautifully detailed, regal Red and Blue grosgrain cuff with a breathtaking Amber jewel. Calling to mind a lost era of elegance.

A new way to wear Aspinal, to keep your clutch safely at hand and to stand out from the rest of the fashion pack.

The interior of the Aspinal Brit Clutch Wallet comprises of:

6 credit card pockets

4 full length pockets for notes

1 central full length zipped coin compartment

1 external full length open pocket

I love this clutch, very anglomania! Ever wonder what to do when your hands are sick of clutching? Just sling its cuff onto your wrist.