Bitesized Blighty: June 10, 2016
Today, Royalty, politicians, diplomats and members of public assembled at St Paul’s cathedral to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday! She almost didn’t make it – poor dear got stuck in traffic – but on her arrival the 2,000-strong congregation greeted her with much excitement. Sir David Attenborough read aloud “Reflections of the Passing of Years”, penned by Michael Bond and Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, drew on Psalm 139 for inspiration for his sermon on God’s hand in creating a monarch who was “fearfully and wonderfully” made. The service marked the start of a weekend of events staged for the official birthday of the Queen, who was 90 on 21 April. On Saturday she will attend Trooping the Colour; on Sunday 10,000 guests from her charities and organisations will attend a street party in The Mall, with other special events planned around the UK. Read more
Another week, another story about Brexit. With just under two weeks to go until the vote, a two-day extension to register was granted after the government website for registering voters failed just before Tuesday's original deadline. During this extended deadline period, 430,000 people applied to register to vote in the EU referendum – MADNESS. The government had pushed through emergency legislation to allow people to register until 23:59 BST on Thursday, but a prominent Leave campaigner has said he is considering launching a legal challenge due to this ‘unconstitutional’ move. Read more
And finally… a seagull turned bright orange after falling into a vat of curry. No, seriously. The cheeky scamp toppled into a large container of chicken tikka masala in south east Wales whilst trying to scavenge bits if meat. Saved by workers and picked up by a volunteer for Vale Wildlife Hospital, the seagull is now back to his usual colour, but apparently the delectable whiff of Indian takeaway still lingers.Read more