What did you eat for Christmas Dinner?

In Kent, England, for Christmas dinner 2008 we ate

Roast Goose
Roast potatoes
Maple roasted parsnips
Brussel sprouts with bacon
Carrots
Sausage meat stuffing
Sage & onion stuffing
Cranberry sauce
Pigs in a blanket (Little sausages wrapped in bacon)

Christmas pudding with brandy butter

2207 menu can be seen on the following page
http://projectbritain.com/customs/Xmas/dinner.html

Christmas

Start your yuletide preparations by reading our beautiful story The True Meaning of Christmas.

Or why not kick-start your Christmas spirit by reconnecting with the traditions of Christmas and Christmas Eve. Learn all about the Christmas tree, Christmas decorations, Father Christmas, Christmas cards, the Advent calendar, Christmas Crackers , why we wear a paper hats, Boxing Day and much more by visiting our many Christmas pages.

http://projectbritain.com/customs/Xmas/customs/Xmas/

State Opening of Parliament

Today in the UK was the State opening of Parliament. An event which is steeped in centuries of tradition. Dating back to Medieval London, this ceremony marks the beginning of a new session of Parliament and allows the Government to announce its programme for that session. The ceremony, which takes place each year, features peers and bishops in traditional robes and a royal procession involving the State Coach.

On the day of the State Opening…..

The cellars of Parliament are searched by the Yeomen of the Guard in order to prevent a modern-day Gunpowder Plot.

The Queen travels from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament in the Stage Coach (a gold carriage). Once the Queen arrives at Parliament the union flag is lowered and replaced by the royal standard.

The significance of the State Opening of Parliament is discussed by the Lord Speaker in a video on the Parliament YouTube channel seen below