What about those Five Gold Rings?
During the past 200 years Parliament has focused its attention on a wide range of issues affecting people's personal lives in relation to marriage, divorce and sexuality. Often Parliament has passed legislation in response to campaigns by outside groups and organisations which have been anxious to protect vulnerable individuals. It has increasingly legislated on controversial issues where there have been many diverse, strongly-held opinions to take into account.
What's the meaning of a "Calling Bird" and does it actually matter?
When singing the Twelve Days of Christmas, most people do not think about the meaning of the words or the interpretation of the song. For example, people interpret a calling bird as a song bird. However, the original song referred to “Four Colly Birds”. The word colly means “black as coal or soot” so it is likely that the gift was four blackbirds (Turdus merula). History tell us that blackbirds were eaten in the past, as referred to in the children’s nursery rhyme “Four And Twenty Blackbirds Baked In A Pie”.
Three French Hens or from 26 Other Member States
On 20 December 2019, MPs voted 358 to 234 - a majority of 124 - in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, which now goes on to further scrutiny in Parliament. Assuming the European Parliament also gives the green light, the UK will formally leave the EU on 31 January with a withdrawal deal. Thinking that Brexit would happen the day after the Referendum was a little odd! The chronology below shows where it all began and where the UK is to date.
Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear-Tree
“On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree” and of course, we all know that a dog or puppy or kitten or turtle doves or any kind of bird, is not just for Christmas. Last year the RSPCA rescued and collected 102,900 animals. The charity does not just deal with domestic animals, it also takes care of wild animals. The aim of the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust is for the public to have a much better understanding of how animals should be cared for and treated.