Welcome to the Archive Vaults aha! ha! ha!
Enter if you dare......
Home Page - this page refreshed 13th September 2021
Annual by Month
7th January - 'Je suis Charlie' - any year
14th February - St. Valentine's Day - any year
25th January - Burns Night - any year
A vegetarian Haggis! The Address! 2017
26th January - Australia Day - any year
27th January - National Holocaust Day - any year
8th March - International Women's Day - any year
17th March - St. Patrick's Day - any year
2019 /
29th March 2017 - Brexit
On 24th June 2016 the Nation voted 'OUT' and no amount of 'Remain' protestations by 'Remainers' was going to change that date. On 29th March 2017 Theresa May historically signed the 'Brexit' letter that heralds and paves the way of our 'divorce' from Europe.
21st April - H.M. Birthday
23rd April - St. George's Day - any year
The first themed page we hosted was for St. George on 23rd April 2011 and for that we used an excellent image created by Clinton Cards featuring a Classic Mini.
St. George is a much maligned saint and does not feature as prominently as the other four major patron saints of the United Kingdom - St. Patrick, St. David and St. Andrew - each will be acknowledged on their own dates with imagery commensurate to our interests.
St. George's Day - Every Year / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2021
25th April - ANZAC Day - any year
4th June - Hug Your Cat Day - any year
2018 / 2019
6th June - The D-Day Landings - any year
70th Anniversary 2014 | 75th Anniversary 2019
2019 -
2014 - Remembering: Cyril Ager, 90, salutes the thousands of British comrades he landed with on June 6, 1944, each one represented by a flag - image © David Parker
The achievements of this WWII initiative must never be underestimated. Neither must the sacrifices of the heroes from that time or those engaged today, fighting for our democratic and independent right of existence to continue unmolested.
The image, created by the British Legion featured on the front page from 5th-17th June 2011 inclusive. It shows a tasteful compilation of archive and modern images and the iconic badge created to commemorate the 65th anniversary of one of the most famous moments of modern history.
June - Armed Forces Day tribute - any year
In 2011 we hosted our first Armed Forces Day on the front page in honour of all the current heroes helping to keep us safe - these are worthy successors to the D-Day Forces and all those who followed.
Saturday, 25th June 2011 / Saturday, 30th June 2012 / Saturday, 29th June 2013 / Saturday, 28th June 2014
14th July - Bastille Day - any year
Also our 17th Wedding Anniversary in 2011 and the death of Anne Golon in 2017 - so a date to remember annually ;-) 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2017 / 2018 / Our Silver Anniversary in 2019 /
14th August 2017
The OMG section has been retired and replaced by Obituaries, but can still be accessed using the link provided.
11th September - 9/11 - any Year
10th Anniversary (2011) of the atrocities! - Not much more can be said really, however the tribute home page has been preserved.
22nd October - St. John Paul II Day - any year
"O God, who are rich in mercy and who willed that the Blessed John Paul II should preside as Pope over your universal Church, grant, we pray, that instructed by his teaching, we may open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ, the sole Redeemer of mankind.
Who lives and reigns."
27th October - 'National Black Cat Day' - any year
31st October - 'Hallowe'en' any year
11th November - Remembrance Day - any year
2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020
As with every year on this most solemn of occasions we will be happy to promote the generosity of heart and soul of all those involved in the events that are held and the reason for them. (This year was also the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and the image represented on the front page pays tribute to that).
30th November - St. Andrew's Day - any year
- St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland
- St Andrew is celebrated on 30 November
- St Andrew’s Day is a day to celebrate Scottish culture, food and dance
- St Andrew’s flag is the flag of Scotland The flag is in the form of a white X on a blue background and is commonly known as The Saltire
- St Andrew's Societies celebrate Scottish culture around the world
- Scotland is one of the few countries to have one of Christ’s disciples as their patron saint
- St Andrew was one of the Twelve Apostles (disciples of Jesus) and brother of St Peter
- St Andrew is believed to have died on a diagonally transversed cross which the Romans sometimes used for executions and which, therefore, came to be called St Andrew’s Cross
- St Andrew’s Day is connected with Advent, which begins on the first Sunday after November 26
- St Andrew’s Day marks the beginning of Scotland’s winter festivals.
6th December - St. Nicholas' Day - any year
Our beloved Św Mikołaj celebrated every year. 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018 / 2019 / 2020
25th December-1st January - Christmas & New Year any year
2013/4 2014/5 2015 2015/6 2016/7 / 2017/8 / 2018/9 / 2019/20 / 2020/21
Easter Sunday - any year
The most important Sunday in the Roman Catholic calendar. Easter 2013 / Easter 2014 / Easter 2016 / Easter 2017 / Easter 2018 / Easter 2019 / Easter 2021
December Birthdays - any year
8th - Barbara 'Biba' Hulanicki 2015 / 80 in 2016 / 17th - Anne Golon 90 in 2011 /2015 / 95 in 2016 /2017
End of Year - any year
2012 saw the end of the Jubilee Celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen and the page is duly retired. We have now seen in 2013 so it is time to enjoy the fruits of the new year,
'One Offs' by Month
Friday, 11th January 2019 - Agnieszka Radwanska receives 3rd National Commendation
Sunday, 1st January 2012 - Newsworthy items
Rejoicing in the News that the Beach Boys are reuniting for their 50th Anniversary and playing their first concert in New Orleans on 27th April, 2012!
Barbara Hulanicki honoured and receives the O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire)
Greeting the New Year and commenting on Costume Recycling in House of Eliott and Downton Abbey!
Friday, 3rd January 2014 - Phil Everly Obituary
Hosting our third obituary - Phil Everly of Everly Brothers fame (and my first big crush) died on Friday, 3rd January 2014.
Wednesday, 7th January 2015 - Charlie Hebdo
Charlie Hebdo - France and the world mourn the atrocities.
Friday, 13th January 2012 - Meerkat Mayhem
The abominable saga of the fate of Sergei and the Save our Sergei SOS campaign that never happened!
Thursday, 2nd February 2012 - Hullaboo down at the Houses of Parliament Bar!
A woman MP - didn't like Totty Ale from Slater's in Stafford!
We feature a Notts. County inspired Ale and the latest Billboard Ads from Compare the Market!
Monday, 6th February, 2017 - Sapphire Jubilee
An hitherto unmatched landmark date - HM Elizabeth II attained her Sapphire Jubilee - wow! Some achievement!
Monday, 11th February 2013 - Papal Abdication
A hitherto unknown and unprecedented decision by Pope Benedict XVI to 'resign' from office - the Roman Catholic World is in a state of disorientation during the last days of his reign.
Friday, 24th February 2012 - Telephone Kiosk
The story of El Tel ......
Saturday, 29th February, 2020 - Leap Year (Leaplings)
Saturday, 3rd March 2012 - Biba Exhibition announced
Notification of new Biba Exhibition - coming September 2012
Wednesday, 13th March 2013 - Papal Election
Pope Francis I is elected to the pontificate and on Saturday, 23rd March sets further precedent by meeting publicly with Pope Emeritus Benedict.
Friday, 14th March 2014
Unwelcome Publicity for the Byron Cinema
Saturday, 24th March 2012 - Meerkat Madness
The continuing saga of Sergei ..... and his hospital admittance.
Thursday, 26th March 2015 - Richard III
Re-internment of Richard III's remains in Leicester Cathedral / Return of Juliette Benzoni's 'Catherine' series
Saturday, 31st March 2012 - Radwanska triumphs in Miami
Agnieszka Radwanska wins her second trophy of 2012 in Miami.
Tuesday, 10th April 2012 - Beach Boy 50 year Reunion
The Beach Boys are invited to sing the national anthem at the LA Dodgers Stadium in honour of the "home-opener baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates".
Friday, 15th April 2011 - Hucknall Dispatch 'Potholes'
This edition carried a feature about us and the potholes on Rockwood Crescent - time for it to be rested now - if you want to read all the gruesome details you can find the article by following the link here or reading the .pdf file here
Monday, 15th April 2019 - Notre Dame in Flames
Truly an inferno as the wooden struts of the Cathedral caught fire causing immeasurable damage to the 800-year old structure!
Sunday, 27th April 2014 - John Paul II Canonisation
Canonisation of John Paul II / Saint John Paul II
Friday, 29th April 2011 - The Royal Wedding
The long-awaited and not disappointing wedding of William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge featured on our front page for several days in honour of their nuptials. The time has come to allow them some privacy and as a consequence the main picture has come over to the Archives. The smaller images remain to make the front page a little more interesting to visitors.
We wish William and Catherine a long and happy marriage.
Sunday, 1st May 2011 - John Paul II Beatification
This is one Pole who has reached every heart universally whatever race or religion you may be - but we are rightly and nationally proud of this son of Poland. The three images (seen above) placed in archive were replaced, on our front page by this lovely souvenir image issued by the Vatican.
Saturday, 17th May 2014 - Monte Cassino
Monte Cassino - "It was exactly 70 years ago today that, after months of repeated assaults on the abbey had been repelled by determined German defenders, the Allies finally managed to take the summit."
Saturday, 26th May 2012 - Brussels Open
Pride of Poland - Agnieszka Radwanska wins the Brussels Open in preparation for her assault to win her maiden Grand Slam - the French Open - fingers crossed!
Tuesday, 7th June 2011 - Lilian Jackson Braun
We hosted our first obituary on the front page in homage to the author who brought many a smile to her fans by introducing us to her famous 'Cat Who' books. The full Obituary and Tribute may be found here.
Friday, 8th June 2012 - Hucknall Dispatch Article
I made the Hucknall Dispatch again - this time my porch tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.
Sunday , 16th June 2019 - 'The Italian Job' Golden Anniversary
A film still as popular today as it has ever been - long live Mini!
Friday, 24th June 2016 - EU Referendum
The Nation voted Out!
Sunday, 10th July 2011 - News of the World closes
Well, that was a bit of a surprise then ......................
Friday, 10th July 2015 - Hucknall Dispatch Article
Guest appearance in the Hucknall Dispatch (again) - this time Arthur Ashe's surprise win in 1975!
Monday, 18th July 2011 - The DWP strikes another googly
The front page features the latest letter of apology and launches the OMG section!
Friday, 22nd July 2011 - Hucknall Dispatch 'Picture of the Week'
Made it into the Picture of the week with El Tel!
Coincidentally, no sooner had our picture appeared in the Hucknall Dispatch than the Telegraph, the weekend following our appearance ran a feature about celebrity gardens and it just so happens that Felix Dennis has a kiosk in his garden which he deems is a whimsy .....
Nice to know we aren't the only whimsical people around!
Saturday, 22nd July 2017 - Aga gets married
Polish tennis ace Agnieszka Radwańska marries Dawid Celt.
Monday, 22nd July 2013 - Royal Birth (Prince George)
The birth of a son to the Duke and duchess of Cambridge is announced.
Thursday, 26th July 2012 - Queen's Jubilee
Let the games begin and the Jubilee pinnacle!
August 2018 - 20 Who Changed History
Maria Curie-Skłodowska leads the way!
Friday, 23rd August 2013 - Byron Cinema
The Byron Campaign gathers apace and the history of the cinema is finally giving up its secrets
Saturday, 27th August 2011 - Mini appears on 'Dr. Who'!
An episode entitle 'Let's Kill Hitler' was broadcast on 27th August, 2011 and the Telegraph summarises it adequately :
"Doctor Who was back and what a whiz-bang, bells-and-whistles return it was. Entitled Let’s Kill Hitler, the episode opened with the Tardis getting hijacked and the Doctor being ordered to fly to 1938 Berlin, so the Führer could be eliminated. It involved crop circles, shape-shifting android assassins and miniaturised time cops. Boring old Adolf barely featured. Despite the title, the joke was on him (and us) because he was bundled into a broom cupboard after a few minutes."
What the Telegraph omitted to say was that the Classic Mini featured in the opening sequence and (to plagiarise) what a sequence it was!
Saturday, 27th August 2011 - Ten of the Greatest Car Designs
Mini featured in Mail on Sunday Live Magazine - 21st August 2011 The full article remains in the Mini section. Mini came second to the Ford Model T - I can live with that!
Monday, 4th September 2017 - A Royal Baby is announced
A third baby is on the way for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Friday, 4th September 2015 - Mr Bean & Classic Mini
Mr Bean celebrates 25 years with Mini and Teddy Bear!
Thursday, 8th September 2011 - Notts County versus Juventus
Notts County played and held Juventus to a 1-1 draw in the inauguration of the new Stadium - the page has been preserved and can be linked to here - the page was removed to make way for the respect due to the September 11th tragedy which occurred a decade ago in 2001. But as the Notts. County achievement was so great it is nice to be able to keep that Front Page for posterity. It also means that Andrew got a chance to see it as he was in Turin for the couple of days it stayed on the internet.
Wednesday, 9th September, 2015 - HM the Queen
HM Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning British Monarch
Saturday, 11th September 2021 - U.S. Open Champion
On the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 atrocities - Emma Radunascu, 18 years old, won the U.S. Open Tennis Championships as a 'qualifier' meaning she had to play three extra matches to achieve something that has never been achieved before!
Thursday, 18th September 2014 - Scottish Referendum
The Scottish Referendum - the Scots voted 'No'
Wednesday, 22nd September, 2011
Squirrel Kittens saved! - An endearing story which featured for some considerable time on our front page and proved very popular.
Monday, 9th October 2000 - Last Mini off the Production Line
Farewell to the last mini to come off the production line.
Sunday, 9th October 2016 - Andrzej Wajda
Poland's greatest cinematographer and director dies at the age of 90.
Sunday, 9th October 2011 - Radwanska wins China Open
Sunday, 9th October 2016 - Radwanska wins China Open for the second time
Agnieszka wins China Open! And then she wins it again! It was my very great pleasure to host Agnieszka Radwanska's meteoric end of season rise to qualify for the Top 8 Season End Championships in Istanbul (or iStanbul as it renamed itself). Unfortunately Agnieszka did not get passed the Round Robin Stage, but as the no. 8 seed acquitted herself very well by stretching the World No. 1 Caroline Wozniaki to three sets and staging a remarkable recovery against Vera Zvonareva which had all the commentators on the edge of their seats and praising the quality of the tennis of both the players. The eventual winner Petra Kvitova, current Wimbledon Champion proved one match too far.
Friday, 11th October 2013 - Literary Award
I win the Spyke Golding Literary Award First Prize (much to my surprise) and I share the front page with my sister Marysia as she was a runner-up last year! My story here and Marysia's here
Tuesday, 7th November 2017 - Federer becomes McFederer
Game (Set and Match) for anything if it means raising funds for charity!
Sunday, 11th November, 2018 - Centenary of Polish Independence
Poland celebrates a centenary of its national rebirth at the end of World War I
Friday, 13th November 2015 - Paris Massacre
Wednesday, 21st November 2018 - Cousin Slawek gets sworn in as a local Councillor
Monday, 19th December 2011
Our second Obituary - Václav Havel - Writer and President of the Czech Republic
December 2015 - House of Faberge
The return of the House of Fabergé
'Compare the Market' - Billboard Campaign
So far have tracked down Bogdan on the Internet and Sergei on the Hucknall/Bulwell boundary the Maiya and Bogdan in Sneinton!.
Sporting Events & Achievements (Alphabetical)
Grand Slam / Masters Tournaments all years
Australian / French 2015 / Wimbledon 2015 / US Open / Masters 2015 / Davis Cup 2015 /
Nottingham Tennis Open
Olympics - any Year
Wimbledon 2011
OK - so we got a half-win in the Boys doubles! Better than nothing - time to congratulate Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova and retire Virginia for another year or so.
The Iconic Wimbledon Calendar featuring Fiona Walker featured for a few days prior to the Championships starting - this is now replaced by a triumphant Virginia Wade in 1977. We've also now discovered the identity of the man in the black hat always visible in the Players box - whom the Wimbledon web-site describes as 'The AELTC's longest-serving honorary steward David Spearing, with 38 years of service behind him.'