Celebrating Cultures across the University of Birmingham
The history of chocolate goes back about 2500 years. The Aztecs loved their newly-discovered liquid chocolate so much that they believed the god of wisdom, Quetzalcoatl, literally bestowed it upon them. Cocoa seeds even acted as a form of currency. Many present day chocolate companies began operations in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with … Continue reading “World Chocolate Day 7 July”
It was not until the early 1950s that most commodities came ‘off the ration’. Meat was the last item to be de-rationed and food rationing ended completely at midnight on 4 July 1954. In January 1940 the British government introduced food rationing to ensure fair shares for all at a time of national shortage. Every … Continue reading “70th anniversary of the end of food rationing in the UK”
16 June marks the 75th anniversary of the UK release of Ealing comedy ‘Whisky Galore’. Starring Basil Radford, Joan Greenwood, James Robertson Justice and Gordon Jackson, among others and based on a true event – the running aground of the SS Politican, it tells the story of a shipwreck off a fictional Scottish island, whose … Continue reading “Whisky Galore”
The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2024 is ‘20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!’ World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year by people around the world on June 14. It is celebrated on the birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner on June 14, 1868. Landsteiner was awarded the Nobel for his … Continue reading “14 June World Blood Donor Day”
13 June 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the UK release of the sublime (and the Ed’s favourite film) Ealing comedy ‘Kind Hearts and Coronets’. Directed by Robert Hamer (born in Kidderminster) and featuring Dennis Price, Alec Guinness, Valerie Hobson and Joan Greenwood, with a delightful cameo from Miles Malleson, the story (based loosely on … Continue reading “Kind Hearts and Coronets”
Post submitted by Akshita, Student Experience Ambassador Step into the vibrant celebration of Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks! Shavuot is one of the three pilgrimage festivals along with Passover and Sukkot. Shavuot is a fascinating holiday with agricultural and historical significance. Taking place seven weeks after the first day of Passover, this year Shavuot begins … Continue reading “Shavuot”
21 May 2024 marks 25 years since the UK release of Richard Curtis’ film ‘Notting Hill’. Starring Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, the story is of a romance between a British bookseller (Grant) and a famous American actress (Roberts) who happens to walk into his shop in London’s Notting Hill district. Winning a host of awards – … Continue reading “Notting Hill – 25th anniversary”
On 12 May, the Mass Observation Archive will be repeating its annual call for day diaries, capturing the everyday lives of people across the UK. The written diaries will be stored in the Archive at The Keep in Brighton and be used by a wide range of people for research, teaching and learning. In 1937 … Continue reading “Mass Observation Day”
Post submitted by Caitlin, Student Experience Ambassador Opening on 6th May 1994, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Channel Tunnel. The anniversary allows us to reflect on three decades of profound connectivity between the United Kingdom and France. Since its inauguration, the tunnel has facilitated seamless travel, trade and cultural exchange, symbolizing the … Continue reading “30th anniversary of the opening of the Channel Tunnel”
Post submitted by Caitlin, Student Experience Ambassador Deaf Awareness Week serves as a poignant reminder to embrace diversity and foster understanding within our communities. This year, Deaf Awareness Week takes place from 6th May-12th May. This annual observance empowers us to recognize the challenges faced by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, while also celebrating … Continue reading “Deaf Awareness Week”
