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Make way for the Bold Gendarmes
Roger Crutchley, Published on 04/08/2024
» The Paris Olympics have sparked memories of the time as an eight-year-old I was dressed up as a French Gendarme for a Christmas concert at a church hall in England. There were four of us and we had to perform The Bold Gendarmes, a popular song in the mid 1950s by French operetta composer Jacques Offenbach. It made gentle fun of the French policemen as the opening lyrics suggest:
Take this tea tale with a pinch of salt
Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/02/2024
» Last month a US scientist caused bit of a stir in Britain when she suggested adding a pinch of salt was the secret to a perfect cup of tea. Not surprisingly this bold assertion from someone across the pond did not go down too well with the traditional tea-drinking English public. In some cases the reaction almost reached "boiling point".
Brits can still put on a good show
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 14/05/2023
» Considering how depressing the world news has been lately, the coronation of King Charles III last weekend provided a brief diversion. It might not be everybody's cup of tea but the Brits certainly know how to put on a show if a bit of history is involved. They're good at pomp and pageantry and most importantly love a parade with plenty of horses.
Street parties? There must be a jubilee
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/06/2022
» The fact that this weekend 1,775 street parties are being held in the UK reflects just how much the British public respect Queen Elizabeth as she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The stamina of the 96-year-old monarch is quite remarkable.
Pink limos show up in the strangest places
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 30/06/2013
» Following last week's column concerning cars of a pink persuasion, there have been assorted sightings of pink Cadillacs in Pattaya, Udon Thani and even Nakhon Nowhere. This iconic limo turns up in the most unusual places.