Royal Oak Day 2009
The following is a press release from www.royaloakday.org.uk
In the past few weeks parliament has faced a level of upheaval not seen for more than 300 years. Outrage at MPs expense claims should remind us that politicians exist to serve the people – not the other way around. But those calling for the ‘Spirit of Cromwell’ would do well to remember Friday, May 29th – named Royal Oak Day almost 350 years ago by Act of Parliament:
“Parliament had ordered the 29th of May, the King’s birthday, to be forever kept as a day of thanksgiving for our redemption from tyranny and the King’s return to his Government, he returning to London that day“.
(Samuel Pepys’s Diary 1st June 1660)
English Oak is the national tree of our people. It represents strength and endurance. Oak is traditionally seen as the protector of our way of life. Royal Oak Day (also known as Oak Apple Day or Restoration Day) marks the restoration of England’s Monarchy. It recalls how Charles II hid in an oak tree to escape following his defeat in the battle of Worcester.
Many who fought the king and his troops under the military command of Cromwell were fuelled with outrage at high taxes and the unaccountable lavish lifestyle of their Monarchy. They were united in a desire for freedom and political liberties.
As a political leader, Cromwell placed the interests of his elite minority above the civil liberties of our nation. There were many problems, arguments and new laws based on his strict puritanism. Cromwell considered many things English people enjoyed as sins to be outlawed – eating plum pudding, theatres, singing and dancing were made against the law. Cromwell ruled by force – not by the will of the people.
Cromwell’s dictatorship and tyranny was not acceptable to those who opposed Charles II. Not long after Cromwell’s death, many of those who had previously fought the king under Cromwell united with English royalists to secure the king’s peaceful return. Charles II arrived in London on his 30th Birthday – 29th May 1660.
Charles II’s arrival marked the beginning of Restoration – the return of Monarchy for England. And this time not only Royalists welcomed him. His arrival meant everyone could enjoy singing, dancing, and plum pudding once more. On the day of his arrival there were fireworks, bonfires, dancing in the streets; church bells rang and cannons roared!
Royal Oak Day is a celebration of our freedom, liberty and nationhood – all of which are depicted in the strength and stability of the Oak. Royal Oak Day traditions such as enjoying plum pudding and ale are specific reminders of our redemption from tyranny.
This day was celebrated nationally throughout England for over 200 years. It has been customary to wear a sprig of oak on this day for centuries. There have been numerous naval ships, a train and a London underground station named ‘The Royal Oak’ and it remains a popular name for our pubs and hotels. The image of the Royal Oak continues to be found on our stamps and coins. Yet apart from within a few English village communities, this important day and its traditions have now almost been forgotten. As we approach the 350th Anniversary of this celebration in 2010, let us consider its significance and forever keep the 29th May as a day of thanksgiving for our redemption from tyranny – this Royal Oak Day you are free to wear a sprig of oak and enjoy traditional English plum pudding!
To find out more about Royal Oak Day visit: www.royaloakday.org.uk
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Labour accused of dishonesty over leaflet ‘charade’
Scottish Labour was last night embroiled in a row over its European election leaflets, after the same quotes praising the prime minister were attributed to different families living at opposite ends of the country.
A couple identified as “Gillian and Barry from Port Seton” were quoted in leaflets used in the Lothians as saying: “It’s Gordon Brown’s leadership that will get us through these tough times. Labour is the only party on the side of hard-working families, standing up for Scottish people nationally and in Europe.”
The couple and their young daughter Hanna also appear on the front of Scottish Labour’s manifesto for Thursday’s poll.
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However, leaflets distributed in the Highlands and Islands attribute precisely the same quote to “The Conniff Family, from Wester Ross”.
The quote also appears next to a family on Labour leaflets in Greater Manchester, with the phrase “British people” substituted for “Scottish people”.
Another variation turns up in Central Scotland, where “the McDonald family from Sauchie” feel they can “rely on Gordon Brown’s leadership to see the country through these tough times”.
http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2511516.0.labour_accused_of_dishonesty_over_leaflet_charade.php
Why do Labour call Scottish people ‘Scottish’, but they call English people ‘British’?
May 31st, 2009 at 6:44 am