Category: Commemorative event

2021 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the German federal state of Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) by the British military government. Located in northwestern Germany, it brought together the former Prussian province of Hanover with the states of Braunschweig, Oldenburg and Schaumburg-Lippe in 1946. To mark this anniversary, the German public television broadcaster NDR broadcast Happy Birthday … Continue reading “Happy Birthday Niedersachsen”

Since October 1931, Guide Dogs for the Blind have been helping people with sight loss live the life they choose. The first four guide dog owners in Britain were veterans of the WWI. To honour this, the two main features of the 90th anniversary garden at the Chelsea Flower Show were two metal sculptures – … Continue reading “Guide Dogs for the Blind 90th anniversary”

On Sunday 4 July, the Together coalition will lead a national day of thanks and recognition to celebrate the incredible work of our NHS staff, as well as all key workers and others in our communities who have helped us through this challenging year. 5 July 1948 was the day that our pioneering National Health … Continue reading “4 July NHS Thank You Day”

Deaf Awareness Week (3-9 May) aims to raise awareness and challenge perceptions of hearing loss and deafness across the UK. Deaf awareness week is all about promoting the positive aspects of living with deafness and raising awareness of the isolation that deaf people can sometimes experience, and promote the importance of social inclusion. This year’s … Continue reading “Deaf Awareness Week (3-9 May)”

A minute’s silence at noon and a national doorstep vigil at 20.00 will form part of a day of reflection to mark the anniversary of the UK’s first Covid lockdown and to remember those who have died in the pandemic. It is hoped people will help create a nationwide “beacon of remembrance” on their doorsteps … Continue reading “National Day of Reflection 23 March”

Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting. Preceded by Shrove Tuesday, it falls on the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter. It is traditionally observed by Western Christians. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants in the … Continue reading “Ash Wednesday 17 February”

Held on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr Day honours the work and dreams of Martin Luther King Jr and celebrates the life and achievements of this influential American civil rights leader. Martin Luther King Jr was born on 15 January 1929. An American Baptist Minister, he grew up in the Southern … Continue reading “Martin Luther King Jr Day 18 January”

17 December marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. Although born and raised in Germany, Ludwig van Beethoven spent most of his life in Vienna, arriving in his early twenties in 1792 and remaining there until his death in 1827. The city is peppered with Beethoven landmarks, including the Beethoven Museum and his … Continue reading “Ludwig van Beethoven 250th anniversary”

One of the most widely read French authors, Alexandre Dumas’ (1802-1870) works have been translated into many languages. Many of his historical novels of high adventure were originally published as serials, including ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ and ‘The Three Musketeers’. His novels have been adapted into nearly 200 films. Dumas began his career writing … Continue reading “150th anniversary of the death of Alexandre Dumas”

World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. … Continue reading “World AIDS Day”