Bath-Knight Blog

Bath-Knight’s Favourite Diamond Jubilee Merchandise- Talking Tables Jubilee Range

May 17, 2012 at 4:12 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Cupcake holders, Cupcake Thrones, john Lewis, Jubilee Collection, Party Ware, Street Party, Talking Tables, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

On Tuesday I started to list some of my favourite Diamond Jubilee products. My first item, Lydia Leith’s Jubilee Jelly Mould, was an interesting choice but one which I think will go down a treat with anyone hosting a Jubilee street party in June.

To continue the theme of Jubilee inspired street parties and fates I wanted to share a fantastic collection of party accessories by Talking Tables. Available to purchase online via Talking Tables’ website or alternatively in John Lewis the collection includes Jubilee cake stands, paper plates and cups and royal napkins.

talking tables jubilee collection

Further to the party basics Talking Tables have also created a collection of cake accessories which will make your Jubilee party sparkle. The Jubilee cake wraps give ordinary cupcakes a Royal Britannia feel whilst their collection of cake toppers including figures of The Queen, Buckingham Palace, Union Jacks and Royal Guards will transform your Victoria Sponge from drab to Royal Jubilee fab.

But my absolute favourite piece has to be Talking Tables’ Cupcake Thrones. Working as individual cupcake holders, the mini thrones are a nod to how regal the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations should be- a fantastic way to serve your neatest cupcakes and the perfect finishing touch.

Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day 19th May 2012

May 17, 2012 at 1:00 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Communities, Cooking, food, Food Revolution Day, Healthy Eating, Jamie Oliver, Recipes, Stand Up For Real Food

I’m sure that people who read my blog regularly will know that I’m a real foodie. I love to cook, share recipes and entertain my friends and family with regular dinner parties. So when I read about Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day, which is been held on the 19^th May 2012 across the world, I was interested to see what my favourite TV chef has planned.

Jamie is renowned for being passionate about getting people, specifically children, to eat a healthy and notorious diet. He’s previously worked on projects both in the UK and in the United States that actively helped families, school children and communities to eat healthier.

Now Jamie Oliver is using the power of people to make a change to the world’s unhealthy food habits. He wants foodies from across the globe to come together and share their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for food to raise awareness of how easy healthy food is to prepare and more importantly how delicious it is to eat.

Anyone can take part in Food Revolution Day. You can host an event- dinner party, BBQ, tasting session, cookery class, food parties/festival- or go along to an existing event it’s completely up to you. The point is that we make and share healthy foods, teach children where produce comes from and start to understand the advantages of cooking at home rather than opting for unhealthy take-outs or restaurant meals.

As I’m sure you can imagine the response to Jamie’s Food Revolution Day has been phenomenal. At present 551 cities and 57 countries are involved with 397 public events and 434 dinner parties taking place on Saturday. These events hope to raise funds for more schooling toward food education in schools and colleges where food basics should be unfortunately aren’t been taught to children and young adults.

As someone who loves food and cooked as a child with my mother (I believe it’s important to get kids in the kitchen from a young age), I think that Food Revolution Day is a great idea. Not only will it help educate people and further their skills but it’s a great opportunity for foodies like me to learn more about foods from across the world as The Food Revolution Day website allows guests to post their own recipes making it a brilliant resource for finding authentic recipes from all corners of the globe.

If you want to get involved check out the website where you can search for an event near you or register to host your own. But importantly read the facts about how major an issue the world’s unhealthy attitude towards food is. The facts are shocking- 43 million children under 5 are overweight- the reality of the issue will encourage you ‘stand up for real food’ once and for all.

Tao Porchon-Lynch named the world’s oldest yoga instructor aged 93

May 16, 2012 at 4:28 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Gunniess World Record, Oldest Yoga Teacher, Tao Porchon-Lynch, video, Yoga

I had to share this video because it’s hard to believe that the yoga instructor who is cradling herself into some of the most difficult and demanding positions is in fact a 93 year old lady called Tao Porchon-Lynch.

The New Yorker who recently underwent surgery for a hip replacement and was later told that she wouldn’t be able to practice yoga again shocked her students and doctors by returning to her studio to teach the ancient practice like someone who is half age (if not younger).

The incredible Tao Porchon-Lynch was presented with a Guinness World Record earlier this week for officially being the Oldest Yoga Instructor in the world which truly is remarkable. A fantastic story that proves ‘age really is just a number’ as the Telegraph so nicely phrased it.

Chatsworth BBC Documentary- Episode One

May 16, 2012 at 3:16 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: BBC, Documentary, Chatsworth House, Historical House, Heritage Site, Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth, iplayer, History, Family Attractions

Chatsworth House has long been a popular tourist attraction thanks to its wealth of history. The ‘Palace of the Peaks’ boasts over 300 rooms, 62 farms and 35,000 aches with beautiful gardens and a farm yard for visitors to enjoy.

Now the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire have opened the doors of the Chatsworth Estate to the BBC for an exclusive look into life at Chatsworth. Filmed for the entire year of 2011 the documentary follows the work of the estate and its 700 members of staff who carefully maintain Chatsworth’s history making it the most popular historical house in Britain.

Duke and Duchess of Deveonshire

Episode one (there are three in total) gives an oversight into how Chatsworth is prepared for its opening in March. During the winter months Chatsworth’s staff start to ‘deep clean’ the property and grounds in preparation for guests and everyone gets involved even the Duke and Duchess join in the annual litter pick.

This passionate approach of everyone lending a hand travels through the entire episode which I found incredibly endearing. As Tour guides carefully check dates and details on hand held guide devices whilst housekeepers do a spot of cleaning as they travel the grounds ensuring that everything is just right for Chatsworth 700,000 visitors.

But I was most impressed by how precisely the display team work. In this episode they set the dining room table, recreating the table as it was set when Queen Victoria visited in 1843. Their attention to detail is second to none and their time and effort makes me appreciate just how true to reality features like these are in historical properties such as Chatsworth.

Chatsworth House

The documentary has a personal feel as it follows the journey of those who make the estate so excellent. Viewers meet many long serving members of staff including Andre, who runs the Duchess’s farm shop, one of the estates main sources of income and new recruits who are making their own mark on Chatsworth. The show follows Heather, Chatsworth’s first female ‘Head Guide’ who is working hard to lead a team of 60 experienced guide staff and learn more about the history of Chatsworth along the way.

It’s a programme which I would definitely recommend watching especially if you like visiting stately homes or heritage sites as it gives a brilliant insight into how treasured history is brought to life so that we can enjoy it. Catch up on episode one with BBC’s iPlayer- click here to watch online.

Bath-Knight’s Favourite Diamond Jubilee Merchandise- Jubilee Jelly Moulds

May 15, 2012 at 4:10 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Diamond Jubilee Merchandise, Jubilee Jelly Mould, Lydia Leith, Street Parties, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, The Queen's Head

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is only a matter of weeks away and shops are quickly starting to fill their shelves with Jubilee themed merchandise perfect for Jubilee celebrations.

With so many Jubilee products on the market I’m going to be documenting my favourites here on the blog so expect everything from fancy bunting to jubilee inspired crockery over the next couple of weeks.

Jubilee Jelly Moulds by Lydia Leith

Today I’m kicking off with an unusual product that is bizarre but brilliant- a Jubilee Jelly Mould which enables you to make the Queen’s head out of jelly. The mould from Lydia Leith is available online for £10.00 and makes the perfect jelly based dessert for any Diamond Jubilee street party.

You can use a basic jelly recipe (follow online instruction) or add a little sparkle to your Queen’s head by making a champagne jelly like I’m planning on doing- it is The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee after all.

Watch out for my next Jubilee merchandise update.

Beryl and Betty win Best Entertainment Show at Sony Radio Academy Awards

May 15, 2012 at 1:26 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: 2012, BBC Radio Humberside, Beryl and Betty with David Reeves, Best Entertainment Show, Betty and Beryl, David Reeve, Old people, Radio, Sony Radio Academy Awards

Last night the Sony Radio Academy Awards took place at a lavish ceremony in London. Considered to be the Oscars of the radio industry the award show welcomes some of the most familiar voices from the radio including Chris Evans, Nicholas Parsons and Jeremy Vine.

However, the stars of last night’s show weren’t the national radio stars who you might have expected. Instead the spotlight was on pensioners, Betty Smith and Beryl Renwick, who host a Saturday evening show on BBC Radio Humberside that won this year’s Sony Radio Award for Best Entertainment Show.

Beryl and Betty – Best Entertainment Show Winners

Aged 86 and 90 Beryl and Betty have become the oldest winners of the radio accolade and have turned into a radio sensation after been described by the Sony Radio Award bosses as a ‘joyous entertaining double act’ who are successfully giving ‘a voice to a sector of society unrepresented on radio’.

I couldn’t agree more with Sony Radio as Betty and Beryl’s show, which is produced and hosted by co-presenter David Reeves, showcases just how full of life and passionate older people are. Dubbed the ‘golden girls’, Beryl and Betty talk about everything from their day to day lives, fashion, memories from the good old days and their love of Michael Buble, all with so much enthusiasm that it’s infectious.

Beryl and Betty with David Reeves and their award

Beryl and Betty’s big break came as quite a surprise as they only took to the mic after been ‘spotted’ by David Reeves whilst on a tour of their local radio show six years ago. He was so infatuated by their sense of humor and upbeat outlook on life that he offered them a slot on the show and the rest is history.

All too often older people are written off because of their age, which is why I’d like to send huge congratulations to the Beryl and Betty on the success of their show which is officially the Best Entertainment Show on the radio. You can listen to the Beryl and Betty online here or catch them at 6pm on Saturday evenings.

Punch and Judy celebrate 350th Anniversary

May 14, 2012 at 1:00 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: 350th Birthday, Annual Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival, children entertainment, Covent Garden, fates, festivals, Mr Punch, Punch and Judy, Puppet Show, Puppets, seaside

As a grandparent I know that children’s toys and entertainment tend to come and go so it’s magnificent that the seaside classic Punch and Judy puppet show celebrated its 350^th birthday this weekend.

The traditional puppets, which are controlled by a puppeteer’s hand, have entertained generation after generation and are still popular amongst crowds today who gather around traditional booths to see Mr Punch and his wife, Judy.

To celebrate the anniversary puppeteers who are known as ‘Professors’ travelled across the globe to gather in Covent Garden, London for the Annual Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival yesterday.

Together the Professors staged a Punch and Judy extravaganza in celebration of the classic puppet show which has entertained children (and adults) at the seaside, fates and festivals since the Victorian Days.

Britain’s Got Talent Winner- Pudsey and Ashleigh

May 14, 2012 at 12:59 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: 2012, Ashleigh and Pudsey, Britain's Got Talent, Royal Variety Show, Winner

What an absolute delight to see Ashleigh and her very talented doggie Pudsey crowned the winners of Britain’s Got Talent 2012 on Saturday night.

I wouldn’t normally watch Britain’s Got Talent but I was intrigued to see who would actually win as the office had been buzzing all week talking about their favourite performers:

Natalia and Kyle where very popular in the office with their twist on ballroom dancing although their performance was unfortunately not at as good as previous, due to Natalia’s leg injury although it was a very commendable effort to still perform in such pain.

The other favourite in the office, as well as the doggie, seemed to be the Loveable Rouges, three very talented young men that surprisingly didn’t finish in the top three.

I must say that all the contestants did remarkably well, Only Boys Aloud came third and second place went to the amazing voices of Jonathon and Charlotte even though they didn’t win at only 17 and 16 they truly have a remarkable career ahead of them as I’m sure Simon Cowell and other producers will be scooping up as much of the talent from the show as they can.

As well as winning the glorious title of Britain’s Got Talent, a staggering £500,000 cash prize, Ashleigh and Pudsey now have a performance at The Royal Variety Performance where Her Majesty the Queen will be in attendance to plan and look forward to.

At only 17, Ashleigh has said that she will be spending some of the money on a new lead for Pudsey as they lost his on Saturday night and that she has always wanted to have her own business for film work for dogs or animals, it sounds like the prize money will be able to turn her dreams into reality especially with Pudsey now being insured for 1 million pounds and already estimated at earning over 5 million during his doggie years.

Big congratulations to top dog – BGT Winners Ashleigh and Pudsey 2012!

Annette’s Websites of the Week- Britain’s Got Talent, London 2012 Olympic Games & Age UK Care in Crisis

May 11, 2012 at 2:45 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: AGE UK, Annette's Websites of the Week, Ashleigh and Pudsey, Britain's Got Talent, Care in Crisis, Dancing Dog, Final, London 2012 Olympic Games, Olympic Orbit Tower, Online petition, Royal Variety Show

Britain’s Got Talent- The country seems to be gripped by Britain’s Got Talent after a series of live semi-finals this week. With the 10 finalists now selected everyone is looking forward to Saturday night’s live final show (ITV, 7.30pm) where the public will choose the 2012 BGT winner who will receive an enormous £500,000 and the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Show in front of the Queen.

I’ve really enjoyed this year’s show but I have to admit that I’ve not had chance to watch every semi-final show so I am a little behind on which acts got through to the final. Luckily the Britain’s Got Talent website is packed with all of the latest news from the semi-final shows including profiles of this year’s finalists, videos of their performances and exclusive interviews with contestants and judges.

So if you’re planning on watching the Britain’s Got Talent final this weekend checkout the website before hand to find out more about your favourite act. I’m backing the ‘paw-some’ duo Ashleigh and Pudsey because I can’t help but adore a dancing doggy.

London 2012 Olympic Games- This summer’s Olympic Games seem to be edging ever closer and this week a handful of events have taken place to ramp up the excitement including The School Games and the lighting of the Olympic Flame. Today the Olympic Orbit Tower, a steel sculpture designed by Anish Kappor was officially opened too.

The statement sculpture, which has caused a dived between people who love it and loath it, boasts a structure that is taller than New York’s Statue of Liberty and a observational suite that offers panoramic views of London. I’m yet to decide whether or not I like the design- what do you think?

Olympic Orbit Tower

In addition to the opening of Orbit Tower an extra 200,000 Olympic tickets were released this morning to Olympic applicants who were unsuccessful in securing tickets for the Games during earlier ticket distributions. With tickets to most events on offer, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, I’m sure that there will be lots of very happy Olympic customers by the end of today.

Check out the London 2012 website for more information on event, venues etc…

Age UK Care in Crisis- This week’s Queen’s Speech to open parliament disappointed many people including those who had hoped for a change in the social care system. Instead of a full social care bill been announced the speech revealed that only a draft bill on social care would be drawn up by the government this year.

Please support Age UK’s Care in Crisis campaign

For charities such as Age UK who have campaigned for change the draft bill is deeply unsatisfying. Despite this Age UK is still steaming ahead in their campaign for change in social care. To achieve a full bill next year they need to secure as much support as possible, which is why Age UK want as many people as possible to sign up to their Care in Crisis petition.

The online petition takes less than a couple of minutes to complete and includes a full and in depth insight into the whole Care in Crisis campaign, which I believe is worthwhile supporting because it could eventually help implement crucial change to the care system that we will all use at one point or another- sign the petition here.

2012 Olympic Flame officially lit in Greece

May 10, 2012 at 3:42 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Tags: Greece, London 2012 Olympic Games, Olympia, Olympic Flame, Olympic torch relay, sports, The Opening Ceremony, Torchbearers

Seeing the Olympic flame here in Britain during the Olympic Torch Relay will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people and a spirit of excitement is starting to show as the Olympic flame was officially lit in the ancient birthplace of the Games, Olympia in Greece this morning.

Although I’m familiar with the tradition of the Olympic Flame travelling via the Torch Relay and then burning for the entirety of the Games. It wasn’t until today that I realised that the flame was still created in a traditional manner of sunrays beaming into a parabolic mirror which I have to say was rather special to watch albeit via the news.

Today’s flame lighting ceremony is a significant moment in the run up to the London 2012 Games as it signifies the beginning of the flame’s journey to The Opening Ceremony at The Olympic Stadium on 27^th July 2012.

Lighting the Olympic Flame in Olympia

Now the flame will tour Greece and the island of Crete for a week before it is flown over to Britain (amazingly the flame will remain alight whilst in transit) where it will finally begin its 70 day tour of Great Britain on the 18^th May.

I’m planning to watch the torch as it passes through Staffordshire on 30^th May and particularly looking forward to see Torchbearer Rita Banks. A local lady who has been an active member of her local running club for the past 40 years, after achieving a world record for running 52 marathons in one year (wow), Rita who is now 68 still continues to run competitively which is magnificent.