A COLOURFUL OCCASION

BY JAMIE MAXFIELD

The Trooping The Colour Takes Place On 17 June

Trooping the Colour is a spectacular military ceremony held annually in London on a Saturday in June, to celebrate the British monarch’s official birthday. It’s a magnificent display of military precision and tradition that has been taking place for over 260 years. The event is attended by members of the royal family, government officials, and thousands of members of the public who gather along the parade route to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.

The origins of Trooping the Colour date back to the 17th century when military units would march in front of their monarch to show their allegiance and loyalty. The tradition continued through the centuries and was formalized in 1748 when George II decided to combine his birthday celebration with the military parade. Since then, the reigning monarch’s official birthday has been celebrated with the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

The ceremony itself takes place on Horse Guards Parade in London and is a colourful display of military pomp and ceremony. Over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians take part in the event, making it one of the largest military parades in the world. The ceremony begins with the arrival of the monarch, who is then escorted by the Household Cavalry to inspect their troops. The King’s arrival will be announced by a fanfare of trumpets, and the national anthem played.

Once the King has inspected his troops, he’ll return to Buckingham Palace, where he’ll watch the remainder of the parade from the balcony. The highlight of the ceremony will be the Trooping of the Colour itself, which involves the soldiers of the Household Division marching in formation with their banners (known as colours). This part of the ceremony is accompanied by music from the Massed Bands of the Household Division, creating a stirring and emotional spectacle.

After the Trooping the Colour, the soldiers will march back to their barracks, and the King will return to the palace for the traditional balcony appearance. This is when the public gets to see the royal family as they wave to the crowds below. The appearance on the balcony is always a highlight of the ceremony, and this year people are expected from all over the world to witness the iconic moment of a new King. An RAF fly-past is expected to mark the end of the display.

Trooping the Colour is not just a military ceremony; it’s also an important part of our culture and history. It’s a celebration both of the monarchy and the country’s military heritage. The ceremony has been adapted and changed over the years, but it still retains its traditional elements, making it a unique and important event in the British calendar.

MILKING IT BY KATE McCARTHY

NON-DAIRY MILKS – WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

In recent years, the popularity of non-dairy milk has skyrocketed, as more people opt for plant-based alternatives to dairy milk. There are now many different types of non-dairy milk available on the market, each with its own unique taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Here are some of the key differences between the most popular non-dairy milks:

Soy milk – This is one of the most popular non-dairy milks and is made from soybeans. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty taste. Soy milk is also a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

Almond milk – Made from ground almonds and water. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavour and a thin, watery texture. Almond milk is a useful source of vitamin E and is often fortified with calcium.

Coconut milk – This is made from the flesh of mature coconuts and has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, nutty flavour. It’s high in saturated fat and calories but is also a source of iron, magnesium, and potassium. Oat milk – Made from ground oats and water, it has a creamy texture, is slightly sweet, and a mild, pleasant flavour. Oat milk contains fibre and beta-glucans, which may help to lower cholesterol.

Rice milk – This has a sweet, slightly nutty flavour and a thin, watery texture. It’s made from milled rice and water. Rice milk is low in fat and is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Each non-dairy milk has its own unique taste and nutritional profile, so it’s worth experimenting to find the one that works best for you. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a healthier alternative to dairy milk, there’s sure to be a non-dairy milk that suits your needs.

Health Scams By Louise Addison

The internet has made information easily accessible, but unfortunately, it has also opened the door to a plethora of health scams. These scams often promise quick fixes, miracle cures, and easy solutions to complex health problems. As a result, desperate people can be duped into wasting time and money and more worryingly put their health at risk. Here are some tips on how to avoid health scams online:

Be sceptical – If a product or service sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many scammers prey on people’s fears, hope for a cure, or relief from their symptoms. Conduct your own research to check any claims.

Check credentials – Before seeking medical advice or purchasing a product, make sure to verify the credentials of the person or organisation offering the advice or product. Legitimate professionals will have verifiable credentials and they will be registered with appropriate, official governing bodies. Seek evidence – Look for reliable sources of information, such as reputable medical websites or peerreviewed scientific journals. Scammers often use pseudoscientific language and cherry-pick data to support their claims.

Specificity – Avoid products that claim to cure multiple health conditions. There is no panacea for all health problems.

Treat testimonials with caution – It is easy to fake testimonials testimonials to lure people into buying a product. Instead, look for independent reviews from reliable sources before making a purchase. Regulation – Be cautious of products that are not regulated by health authorities. These products often contain undisclosed ingredients and can be dangerous to your health.

When buying health products online, caution and scepticism should be your watchwords. Protect yourself from health scams and be sure to make informed decisions. Your health is too valuable to risk on unproven or potentially harmful products.

Be A Bbq Boss By

KATE McCARTHY

How To Choose A Barbecue

Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy the weather than by hosting a barbecue in your garden? But with so many types of barbecues available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Here are a few things to consider when selecting the best barbecue for your plot.

Size matters – Well it’s an important consideration anyway! Your barbecue should be large enough to accommodate the amount of food you need for all your guests, but not so large that it takes up your whole space. Consider how many people you will usually cook for, and how often you plan to host a barbecue.

Fuel Type – There are three choices: charcoal, gas, or electricity. Each has its pros and cons, so consider which type of fuel is best for your needs. Charcoal barbecues provide that authentic smoky flavour but can be difficult to light and regulate the temperature. Gas barbecues are easy to use and allow for precise temperature control but can be more expensive to run. Electric barbecues are convenient and easy to use but may not provide the same level of flavour as charcoal or gas. Gas and Electricity also have the advantage of allowing for more spontaneity as they can be switched on and ready to go pretty much instantly. Good for unpredictable British weather.

Construction – A high-quality barbecue should be built to last, with sturdy materials and solid construction. Look for a barbecue with a thick, heavy-duty grill grate, and a durable body made from materials like stainless steel or cast iron. Avoid barbecues with flimsy components that may rust or break over time.

Additional Features – Some barbecues come with additional features that can make cooking easier and more enjoyable. For example, a side burner can be used for cooking side dishes or sauces, while a built-in thermometer can help you monitor the temperature of the food. Other features to consider include warming racks, rotisserie attachments, and smoker boxes.

Price – Barbecues can range in price from under £100 to £1000+. Consider how much you are willing to spend, and what features are most important to you. Remember that a higher price does not necessarily mean better quality, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

Accessories – Once you’ve settled on the barbie, it’s time to accessorise. Barbecues can reach over 300C, so a pair of heat-proof gloves will reduce the risk of burns. Cleaning your grill while it’s still hot makes removing stubborn grease and sticky marinades a little easier to shift. A hard-wearing scraper and brush that has a long handle is probably the best method. My husband loves his grill press, which is easier to use for searing steaks and burgers than a spatula, and his grill cage, both for cooking fish and also for turning several kebabs at a time! A meat thermometer is also a good investment, especially if you cook a lot of chicken.

In the UK barbecue season is fairly short so let’s make the most of al fresco dining while we can.

DRUM CIRCLE with Quinto

music therapist & professional percussionist over 40 years every 2nd Thursday of the month

7.30-8.30pm Jubilee Hall, Middleton-on-Sea, PO22 6DZ

Rhythm is hard to resist and immensely healing. Come and enjoy this uplifting experience of playing with others. Let loose, feel the music and be free to be yourself !!!

If you have a drum, bring it along. Quinto will also bring... Congas, Bongos, Derboukas, Djembe, Maracas and more. All welcome, any age, any belief, any condition

Please book in with Quinto Grigatti - 07956 155105 letinto@gmail.com next classes June 8th, July 13th etc.

Bouncy castle and kids’ corner, BBQ Stalls, Cakes & Home bakes, Games, Bric-A-Brac, Train rides, Craft, Art Exhibition, Refreshments, Plant Barn