27 May - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Gemstone of the Month

Emerald

Flower of the Month: Lily of the Valley

First of all Nomanda would like to thank all our new readers! We have been getting more and more of you every day and we really appreciate you! If you are enjoying Nomanda’s blog please pass it on to your friends. And if you would like to make a comment or get your own special mention on your own special day just send us the details through the comments section and we’ll make sure we don’t forget you!

Nomanda’s Happy Special Day blog is a celebration of events and anniversaries that have touched our lives. If today is your special day join us in looking at a few other events that have occurred on your day. Enjoy!

It was in an area surrounded by islands and infested with mosquitoes that Peter the Great decided to found St Petersburg on this day in 1703. Despite its unattractive environment it was to become the capital of Russia. It has undergone a few name changes over the years; it was renamed Petrograd in 1914, became Leningrad in 1924, and returned to its original name of St Petersburg in 1991.

Dipping their oars in the Thames for the first time on this day in 1829 were the boat crews of Oxford and Cambridge. The event has been held annually since 1856 with the exception of the two world wars and is fiercely contested. Considering the number of races over the years the overall results are very close with Cambridge winning 79 times and Oxford 74. There was a remarkable dead heat in 1877 which I’m sure wouldn’t happen now with today’s technology!

Another sporting activity, this time cricket, sharpened up its act on this day in 1864 when over arm bowling was made legal. It’s difficult to believe that prior to this time all bowling had been underarm, it wasn’t. Prior to this change “round-arm” bowling was permitted, and practised by the great W G Grace to the end of his career.

In a spirit of true democracy it was on this day in 1900 that the first Government to be elected by proportional representation was voted for in Belgium. Sadly, although the idea has merit, it never seems to work out in practice with too many minorities squabbling over how important their place in the government should be. Belgium’s inability to choose a government for over 6 months after their recent elections proves the point. It also goes to show that a country can be run remarkably well without a government! Now there’s a thought to put panic into the hearts of the trough guzzlers!

Have you ever thought about how you would wrap, repair and stick things together without the wonder that is sello tape /scotch tape? Well of course someone has to invent them and it was on this day in 1930 that Richard Drew did just that. He also invented masking tape for his no doubt grateful bosses at 3M. Nomanda can’t do a paint job without it!

Hopefully not held together with sticky tape it was on this day in 1936 that RMS Queen Mary set off from Southampton to New York on her maiden voyage. She was retired from service in 1967 and now has a permanent berth at Long Beach, California where she serves as a museum ship and hotel. And jolly nice I bet it is too!

In a nice co-incidence having celebrated the founding of St Petersburg on this day, it was also on this day in 1964 that the James Bond film “From Russia With Love” premiered in the US. It is considered by many, including Sean Connery, to be the best James Bond film made and Nomanda isn’t going to disagree with James!

Another fantasy world, this time of the Mickey Mouse variety, Walt Disney World began construction on this day in 1969. Sadly Walt Disney did not live to see the completion of his project. Today it is the most visited and largest recreational resort in the world boasting 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 23 themed hotels together with all the associated shops, services and even golf courses. Just the place for a quiet relaxing break!

In an untypical act of generosity it was on this day in 1985 that Great Britain agreed to return Hong Kong back to China from whom they’d nicked it in the first place! Concerns that it would flounder under Chinese rule have proved unfounded and the colony has continued to flourish taking advantage of its unique position, links and status.

First up for birthday honours today is Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort the man who knew a thing or two about wind. All I can say is don’t eat a strong curry with anything more than a gentle force 6!

Not allowing the wind to get up her skirts, Amelia Jenks Bloomer, (1818 – 1894) was born on this day. Despite the fact that she was an ardent suffragette for women’s rights in America she will probably always be better known for her knickers!

Two acting heroes from the Hammer Horror Studios, Vincent Price (1911 – 1993) and Christopher Lee (1922) were both born on this day. Now there’s a pair to put the wind up most of us! Watch out Amelia!

Another person to put the wind up most people when she’s in full voice, Cilla Black (1943) was born on this day. The popular singing girl from Liverpool has had a spectacular singing and TV presenter career. Her rendition of “You’re My World” is a must! We love you really, Cilla!

Happy Special Day to one and all!



If you know someone who is celebrating their birthday, anniversary or a special day today or sometime soon why not send them a nice e-card so they get it as soon as they log on! Even better, why not send this page to your friend!
Don’t know what to get for a present? Think about what your special person enjoys doing and the things they like.


For Girls, I know that flowers and chocolates are a bit cliché but nevertheless they always seem to work! Of course, if your budget stretches that far, jewellery, watches, perfume and fashion items are always appreciated!

For Boys, all boys like toys! It’s just as they get older the toys get more expensive. So gadgets and gimmicky things work. Again, if you have the budget then car accessories, sporting equipment and clothes, and man type jewellery like watches and gold chains will go down very well!

And, if all else fails, you could always send them a gift voucher and they can choose whatever they want!

If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special event today I hope you got lots of cards and presents and that there is someone special in your life who will make this day a very happy and special day for you.



Happy celebrations to you from the Happy Special Day Blog!!