A-Z Of GREAT BRITAIN

[herringthorpe]

'Heart of oak are our ships...' Sung gustily by us at primary school.

I don't think I know that one!

 

[herringthorpe]

P - Portmeirion. Unique Italianate style village in North Wales designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and famously used as 'The Village' in the TV series, The Prisoner.

Been going there for more than 20 years and still not made it!

 

[herringthorpe]

Q QUEUEING - can't beat the British for queueing!

 

[Lindum]

I don't think I know that one!

 

[diggerman]

O OAK Trees - native to Britain. Famous oak trees include the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest which sheltered Robin Hood. There is also a village in Durham called Oak Tree

If it's the place I think you mean (the village), it's very close to Teesside Airport (between Middlesbrough and Darlington)

 

[Lindum]

R - Roche Abbey. 12th century Cistercian Abbey near Rotherham. One of my favourite places to visit as a boy. Such a lovely spot.

 

[herringthorpe]

Yes of course I know it! Just didn't know it was called that! In fact my other half tells me he sings this at Folk Clubs on certain days! (He's now wandering round the house singing it!)

 

[herringthorpe]

If it's the place I think you mean (the village), it's very close to Teesside Airport (between Middlesbrough and Darlington)

Yes, it is that place, Digger. When I looked it up it says it's part of Durham so I was a little surprised because I thought it was nearer Darlington.

 

[herringthorpe]

S STONEHENGE - on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. A ring of rocks from prehistoric times.
Went when I was about 9 when you could go for free and climb on them!

 

[diggerman]

Yes, it is that place, Digger. When I looked it up it says it's part of Durham so I was a little surprised because I thought it was nearer Darlington.

Maybe it meant COUNTY Durham as opposed to the city ?
The original Yorkshire/Co.Durham border is/was the River Tees, hence my birth certificate says Middlesbrough North Riding.
Officially , Oak Tree is in the Borough of Darlington (which was originally in County Durham).

 

[herringthorpe]

Maybe it meant COUNTY Durham as opposed to the city ?
The original Yorkshire/Co.Durham border is/was the River Tees, hence my birth certificate says Middlesbrough North Riding.
Officially , Oak Tree is in the Borough of Darlington (which was originally in County Durham).

Thank you, Digger! Yes it might have meant County Durham! In fact, it might even have said that and I skipped over the County bit! I only know about it because I was once somewhere and saw a signpost for it!

 

[Lindum]

T - Twickenham Stadium (Allianz Stadium Twickenham) is the headquarters of the English Rugby Union and home venue for England games. Largest rugby union stadium in the world with a capacity of 82000.

 

[herringthorpe]

U UNION JACK - the national flag of the United Kingdom

 

[Lindum]

V- Vauxhall Motors. One of the oldest vehicle manufacturers in the UK. Original site was on Wandsworth Road, Vauxhall, London (now the site of the Nine Elms tube station) but for over a century was located at Luton. Headquarters now in Coventry and some production at Ellesmere Port.

 

[herringthorpe]

W WINDSOR CASTLE - a royal residence originally commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1077 and was added onto through the centuries. It had a 'first' last month when the Premiere of 'FInding Harmony: A King's Vision' was hosted there - the first time a film premiere had been held at a royal residence.

 

[Lindum]

X - The X Factor. Long running British TV music competition created by Simon Cowell.

 

[herringthorpe]

Y YORKSHIRE - God's Own County.

 

[Lindum]

Z - Ashby de la Zouch. Market town in Leicestershire which had an important castle in the Middle Ages built by the La Zouch family. Its main industry used to be ribbon making.

 

[herringthorpe]

That's another one done! Thanks to everyone for joining in!