28 May - Historical Events and Special Celebrations

Flower of the Month

Lily of the Valley

Gemstone of the Month: Emerald

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!

Times were hard in London in the 1700’s so the opening today of the first swimming pool at Goodman’s Fields on this day in 1742 must have been a welcome event. Foot baths and showers before entering had not yet been introduced so my guess is that although it would have been fun it should have probably come with a public health warning! I wonder what the changing rooms were like.

Changing things for women in the US on this day in 1923 was the Attorney General who declared that it was legal for women to wear trousers anywhere. The screen stars Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn were instrumental in trousers becoming fashionable for women as they enjoyed wearing them at the time. I am reminded of a conversation a friend of mine says he had with his new bride shortly after they were married. His story goes that one day he asked his wife to put his trousers on. She replied “Don’t be silly, they’re too big for me.” To which he replied “And don’t you forget that!” Now I know this couple very well and my guess is that she wears an invisible pair!

Wearing a pair of waterproof trousers was the sailor Francis Chichester who on this day in 1967 arrived in Plymouth following his successful solo circumnavigation of the world. He sailed west to east via the Great Capes following the great “Clipper Route”. In his yacht “Gypsy Moth IV” he made one stop at Sydney, Australia and became the fastest sailor to circumnavigate the world completing his voyage in 9 months and 1 day. Nomanda knows someone about to set off on a voyage to circumnavigate the UK later this year. He has allowed himself 3 months to do the job and will have a crew to help. They are sponsoring two charities and we wish them all a very successful trip!



Setting another more modest record than Sir Francis was Joe Darby who on this day in 1980 did a standing long jump of 12 feet 5 inches. Nomanda couldn’t manage that distance with a long run at it so we’re very impressed!



The 28th May seems to have been a popular day for jumping as it was on this day in 1987 that the artist (that’s his daytime job) Paul Pearman jumped over 21 barrels on a skateboard. I just hope his wheels didn’t fall off when he landed!

David Robillard of the Channel Islands only needed one wheel to get his name in the record books as on this day in 1990 he rode the longest wheelie lasting over 5 hours. I’m lost for words!

When people set off on record breaking attempts, most of which are all clean good fun, even if a few of them are bizarre, I don’t know anyone who would want to be the 4th person to do something for the 3rd time. This did not stop our next intrepid hero, Wallace Berg, who at the age of 42 became the 4th American to climb Mount Everest for the 3rd time on this day in 1997. Maybe his nationality gives a clue! Nevertheless, it’s something that Nomanda hasn’t done, so well done, Wallace!

Our first birthday celebrity today is the Frenchman Joseph Ignace Guillotin (1738 – 1814). He was a physician and a Jesuit and although contrary to popular belief he did not invent the guillotine he was the guy who put up his hand and suggested the use of it for executions. Nice man! He lived to a ripe old age for his time and passed away peacefully unlike some of his peers! I am reminded of the joke about the priest, the robber and the engineer who were to be guillotined and if you want to know it then write to Nomanda!

The “inventor” of Income Tax, William Pitt the Younger (1759 - 1806) was also born on this day. If you want to know more about him check out Tuesday’s blog!

Today marks the centenary anniversary of the birthday of the naval commander and author, Ian Fleming (1908 – 1964). Although he only wrote 12 James Bond novels and 9 short stories the films just keep going on. And very good they are too, but the first ones are the best!

Celebrating her birthday today is the actress Sue Holderness (1949) the unfortunate wife of the car dealer “Boycey” in the series “Only Fools and Horses”. It is so funny!

Our final birthday tribute today goes to the lovely actress and singer Kylie Minogue (1968). Having left her neighbours behind she went on to become a super pop idol and we love her! I’m sure we can get a great song here!

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!!