In British slang the word "gong" means a medal. It originated in the military but now enjoys widespread use. When Blighty's Blog throws a gong at somebody it means we admire his or her achievements.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
When we look back over time there are many notable women worthy of receiving our gong. Women have featured prominently among the influential characters who have changed the course of British history.
The Iron Lady
In recent times the "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher stamped her personality with indelible permanence on Britain. But Mrs Thatcher was a controversial character. Despite her notable achievements some Britons choose to remember her with something less than total reverence.
Bad Attitude
So looking further back into the history books we find one woman whose outstanding contributions to British history remain unmatched to this day. She too was controversial; in the sense that Roman invaders found her attitude quite unacceptable.
Boudica by Name
Until quite recently she was called Boadicea. It is now recognized that the name "Boadicea" was a mistranslation into modern English. She is now more correctly referred to as "Boudica".
Boudica was the Queen of the Iceni tribes in what is now Norfolk, England. Along with her husband the King she ruled a region that was peacefully cooperating with the Roman invaders. Peacefully, that is, until her husband died.
Her husband's will passed the throne to Boudica but the Romans had other ideas. Boudica was flogged, her daughters raped and her territory lost its independence.
Warrior Queen
The rest of the story of the warrior queen is legendary. Boudica was an intelligent, powerful woman who took the defence of Britain literally into her own hands. No page in the history book of England has ever stood out so clearly in honour of a British woman.
Showing posts with label 6 Brits to Throw a Gong At. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 6 Brits to Throw a Gong At. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
6 Brits to Throw a Gong at: #5 Harry Webb
In British slang the word "gong" means a medal. It originated in the military but now enjoys widespread use. When Blighty's Blog throws a gong at somebody it means we admire his or her achievements.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
We threw a gong at Billy Butlin a few days ago and confessed that he wasn't even born a Brit. Well today we are throwing a gong at another famous foreign born Brit. Everyone has heard of Harry Webb. He has thrilled his fans as an entertainer for six decades.
Born in India
Harry Webb is, of course, better known by his professional name: Cliff Richard. Cliff was born to Anglo-Indian parents in Lucknow, India in 1940. The family moved to Britain following Indian independence from Britain in 1948.
Cliff became the proud owner of a guitar at age 16 and quickly developed an interest in "skiffle" music. He formed a band a year later and within a couple of years he was a hit recording artist.
Cliff the Christian
We all know the story of his career from then on. Cliff's music career changed from rock to softer pop tunes when he became a Christian. His Christianity influenced his music for some time until he was able to reconcile his beliefs with the harder image of rock music again.
The First Knight of Rock
Cliff Richard received a knighthood from the Queen in 1995. He was the first rock music entertainer to receive that honour.
Off the Air
Despite his success he has never been particularly popular with the media in Britain. Radio stations are reluctant to air his songs. He has even been forced to release songs under a pseudonym to get his music on the air. Some songs released this way became big hits with the record buying public.
Bachelor Boy
Back in the 1960s Cliff released a hit single called "Bachelor Boy". Despite contemplating marriage several times throughout his life Cliff has remained a bachelor. He now lives in private seclusion with a male partner but has refused to respond to questions about his sexuality.
English Elvis
Blighty's Blog cares only about the tremendous impact Harry Webb has made on the world of entertainment. The "English Elvis" has refused to adopt the "sex, drugs and rock'n'roll" lifestyle of so many of his contemporaries. Instead he has given us over half a century of great music.
"Congratulations" Sir Cliff and thank you.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
We threw a gong at Billy Butlin a few days ago and confessed that he wasn't even born a Brit. Well today we are throwing a gong at another famous foreign born Brit. Everyone has heard of Harry Webb. He has thrilled his fans as an entertainer for six decades.
Born in India
Harry Webb is, of course, better known by his professional name: Cliff Richard. Cliff was born to Anglo-Indian parents in Lucknow, India in 1940. The family moved to Britain following Indian independence from Britain in 1948.
Cliff became the proud owner of a guitar at age 16 and quickly developed an interest in "skiffle" music. He formed a band a year later and within a couple of years he was a hit recording artist.
Cliff the Christian
We all know the story of his career from then on. Cliff's music career changed from rock to softer pop tunes when he became a Christian. His Christianity influenced his music for some time until he was able to reconcile his beliefs with the harder image of rock music again.
The First Knight of Rock
Cliff Richard received a knighthood from the Queen in 1995. He was the first rock music entertainer to receive that honour.
Off the Air
Despite his success he has never been particularly popular with the media in Britain. Radio stations are reluctant to air his songs. He has even been forced to release songs under a pseudonym to get his music on the air. Some songs released this way became big hits with the record buying public.
Bachelor Boy
Back in the 1960s Cliff released a hit single called "Bachelor Boy". Despite contemplating marriage several times throughout his life Cliff has remained a bachelor. He now lives in private seclusion with a male partner but has refused to respond to questions about his sexuality.
English Elvis
Blighty's Blog cares only about the tremendous impact Harry Webb has made on the world of entertainment. The "English Elvis" has refused to adopt the "sex, drugs and rock'n'roll" lifestyle of so many of his contemporaries. Instead he has given us over half a century of great music.
"Congratulations" Sir Cliff and thank you.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
6 Brits to Throw a Gong at: #4 Wendy Richard
In British slang the word "gong" means a medal. It originated in the military but now enjoys widespread use. When Blighty's Blog throws a gong at somebody it means we admire his or her achievements.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
The Teesside Cockney
Wendy Emerton (Richard's birth name) is famous to fans of British theatre and TV as a cockney. In fact she spent most of her life in and around London, but she was born in Middlesbrough in the northeast of England.
Wendy played the role of a working class girl throughout her career but she was born into a middle-class family. Her parents were publicans and, after moving to the London area when she was very young, Wendy grew up in pubs.
Tough Childhood
Her father was a freemason. He took his own life when Wendy was only 11 years old. She suffered the trauma of finding his body. Further tragedy followed when her mother died of cancer.
Wendy left the private school at which she had been enrolled by her parents when she was only 15 and sought a career in entertainment. She enrolled at a prestigious theatrical school in London, paying the school fees herself from the proceeds of a job.
5th Floor Men's Wear
Those who remember Wendy's most famous role as "Miss Brahms" in the TV show "Are You Being Served" may be interested to hear that the job Wendy took was in the fashion department at Fortnum and Mason.
Come Outside
But Wendy's career started long before "Are You Being Served". She recorded a hit single, with singer Mike Sarne, called "Come Outside" in 1962. She also featured in a scene in the Beatles movie "Help!" but the scene was cut before the movie was released.
An Iron Lady
Following "Are You Being Served" Wendy devoted several years to the British soap opera "EastEnders". The show's writers produced a script in which her character, Pauline Fowler, strongly denounces former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The scene was never recorded. Wendy Richard was an ardent Conservative and a very strong supporter of Mrs Thatcher. She simply refused to act the scene.
Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 but pulled through and was declared cancer free. However, the disease returned and she succumbed in February 2009 at a Harley Street clinic where she was being treated.
Gong But Not Forgotten
Wendy Richard was married four times and received an MBE (Member of the British Empire) gong from the Queen in 2000. She is awarded another gong, posthumously, by Blighty's Blog for her fortitude in the face of a difficult childhood, for her strength in fighting three bouts of cancer and for the pleasure she brought to millions through her talent on-screen.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
The Teesside Cockney
Wendy Emerton (Richard's birth name) is famous to fans of British theatre and TV as a cockney. In fact she spent most of her life in and around London, but she was born in Middlesbrough in the northeast of England.
Wendy played the role of a working class girl throughout her career but she was born into a middle-class family. Her parents were publicans and, after moving to the London area when she was very young, Wendy grew up in pubs.
Tough Childhood
Her father was a freemason. He took his own life when Wendy was only 11 years old. She suffered the trauma of finding his body. Further tragedy followed when her mother died of cancer.
Wendy left the private school at which she had been enrolled by her parents when she was only 15 and sought a career in entertainment. She enrolled at a prestigious theatrical school in London, paying the school fees herself from the proceeds of a job.
5th Floor Men's Wear
Those who remember Wendy's most famous role as "Miss Brahms" in the TV show "Are You Being Served" may be interested to hear that the job Wendy took was in the fashion department at Fortnum and Mason.
Come Outside
But Wendy's career started long before "Are You Being Served". She recorded a hit single, with singer Mike Sarne, called "Come Outside" in 1962. She also featured in a scene in the Beatles movie "Help!" but the scene was cut before the movie was released.
An Iron Lady
Following "Are You Being Served" Wendy devoted several years to the British soap opera "EastEnders". The show's writers produced a script in which her character, Pauline Fowler, strongly denounces former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The scene was never recorded. Wendy Richard was an ardent Conservative and a very strong supporter of Mrs Thatcher. She simply refused to act the scene.
Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 but pulled through and was declared cancer free. However, the disease returned and she succumbed in February 2009 at a Harley Street clinic where she was being treated.
Gong But Not Forgotten
Wendy Richard was married four times and received an MBE (Member of the British Empire) gong from the Queen in 2000. She is awarded another gong, posthumously, by Blighty's Blog for her fortitude in the face of a difficult childhood, for her strength in fighting three bouts of cancer and for the pleasure she brought to millions through her talent on-screen.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
6 Brits to Throw a Gong at: #3 George Best
In British slang the word "gong" means a medal. It originated in the military but now enjoys widespread use. When Blighty's Blog throws a gong at somebody it means we admire his or her achievements.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
A Shoe or a Gong?
There are some Brits that leave me wondering. Should I throw a gong at them, or should I throw a shoe at them? Blighty's Blog has picked a list of Brits to throw a shoe at; we'll be dealing with those miscreants in a later series of posts.
The Shoe! No, the Gong!
But George Best? My first inclination is to throw a shoe at him. He prematurely robbed the world of a unique soccer talent that delighted millions. At the same time he deserves a gong for bringing that talent to us in the first place.
The Best Ever
There are many who say that George Best was the greatest soccer player who ever lived - or ever will live. Most of those people are from Northern Ireland, or they are Manchester United fans. This Englishman will stand alongside them and say "me too".
[For the record I am a Crystal Palace fan; go ahead and scoff if you like but believe it or not there are two of us in Canada].
Magnet Man
Who else is there to compare with this man? Pele? Ronaldo? Johnny Byrne (Crystal Palace 1960-62)? George had the gift of magnetism in his feet. The ball would seem to stick to him as if by magic. Using his magical magnetism he would twist and turn his way past defenders and find the net.
Fast Cars, Women and Booze
George was also a magnet for pretty girls. He collected Miss Worlds. He is quoted as having said: "I spent most of my money on fast cars, women and booze ... and I squandered the rest". His lavish lifestyle was his demise.
The finest talent the world has ever seen faded due to his incurable alcoholism. George Best passed away 25th November 2005 of a liver infection related to his drinking.
Blighty's Blog would like to literally throw a gong at him.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
A Shoe or a Gong?
There are some Brits that leave me wondering. Should I throw a gong at them, or should I throw a shoe at them? Blighty's Blog has picked a list of Brits to throw a shoe at; we'll be dealing with those miscreants in a later series of posts.
The Shoe! No, the Gong!
But George Best? My first inclination is to throw a shoe at him. He prematurely robbed the world of a unique soccer talent that delighted millions. At the same time he deserves a gong for bringing that talent to us in the first place.
The Best Ever
There are many who say that George Best was the greatest soccer player who ever lived - or ever will live. Most of those people are from Northern Ireland, or they are Manchester United fans. This Englishman will stand alongside them and say "me too".
[For the record I am a Crystal Palace fan; go ahead and scoff if you like but believe it or not there are two of us in Canada].
Magnet Man
Who else is there to compare with this man? Pele? Ronaldo? Johnny Byrne (Crystal Palace 1960-62)? George had the gift of magnetism in his feet. The ball would seem to stick to him as if by magic. Using his magical magnetism he would twist and turn his way past defenders and find the net.
Fast Cars, Women and Booze
George was also a magnet for pretty girls. He collected Miss Worlds. He is quoted as having said: "I spent most of my money on fast cars, women and booze ... and I squandered the rest". His lavish lifestyle was his demise.
The finest talent the world has ever seen faded due to his incurable alcoholism. George Best passed away 25th November 2005 of a liver infection related to his drinking.
Blighty's Blog would like to literally throw a gong at him.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
6 Brits to Throw a Gong at: #2 Billy Butlin
The Canadian Connection
Billy Butlin? Yes, Billy of Butlins Holiday Camps; he who brought pleasure to many thousands of British people. But he wasn't British. In fact our Billy was born in South Africa and lived in Toronto for a few years. Billy Butlin even served in the Canadian military.
Sir William Heygate Edmund Colborne Butlin was born in South Africa in 1899 and passed away in England in June 1980.
The Great Escape
He is best remembered as the founder of Butlins Holiday Camps. These somewhat infamous holiday resorts appealed to thousands of people who sought an all-inclusive vacation in a resort that catered to their every need.
The Redcoats Are Coming
Perhaps the clearest memory many Butlin customers have is of the famous "Redcoats". The Redcoats were the camp entertainers. Several Redcoats (e.g. Des O'Connor, Charlie Drake, Dave Allen, Moira Anderson) went on to become famous entertainers.
Have You Got a Girl in There?
Butlins also acquired a slightly tawdry reputation among young people. The comedian Jasper Carrot used a sketch in which a young man smuggles a female guest into his cabin. There is a sudden loud knock at the door from a Redcoat who shouts:
The Legend Lives On
"Billy" became "Sir William" when he was knighted by the Queen in 1964 and retired in 1968. Butlins Holiday Camps were sold in 1972. Some of the camps remain open under new ownership and with a different identity but the legend lives on.
Billy Butlin? Yes, Billy of Butlins Holiday Camps; he who brought pleasure to many thousands of British people. But he wasn't British. In fact our Billy was born in South Africa and lived in Toronto for a few years. Billy Butlin even served in the Canadian military.
Sir William Heygate Edmund Colborne Butlin was born in South Africa in 1899 and passed away in England in June 1980.
The Great Escape
He is best remembered as the founder of Butlins Holiday Camps. These somewhat infamous holiday resorts appealed to thousands of people who sought an all-inclusive vacation in a resort that catered to their every need.
The Redcoats Are Coming
Perhaps the clearest memory many Butlin customers have is of the famous "Redcoats". The Redcoats were the camp entertainers. Several Redcoats (e.g. Des O'Connor, Charlie Drake, Dave Allen, Moira Anderson) went on to become famous entertainers.
Have You Got a Girl in There?
Butlins also acquired a slightly tawdry reputation among young people. The comedian Jasper Carrot used a sketch in which a young man smuggles a female guest into his cabin. There is a sudden loud knock at the door from a Redcoat who shouts:
"Have you got a girl in there?"
"Er no, no sir" the young man stutters nervously.
"Hang on a minute we'll get you one" replies the Redcoat.
The Legend Lives On
"Billy" became "Sir William" when he was knighted by the Queen in 1964 and retired in 1968. Butlins Holiday Camps were sold in 1972. Some of the camps remain open under new ownership and with a different identity but the legend lives on.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
6 Brits to Throw a Gong at: #1 Sir Richard Branson
In British slang the word "gong" means a medal. It originated in the military but now enjoys widespread use. When Blighty's Blog throws a gong at somebody it means we admire his or her achievements.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
The Virgin King
Some call him "the Virgin King". Indeed, Sir Richard Branson is the head of The Virgin Group, a vast corporate empire encompassing everything from music to space travel.
You Will Go to Prison Young Man
Richard Branson was born in the south of England in 1950 and distinguished himself as an unusual character from an early age. The headmaster at his school told him he would either go to prison or become a millionaire. Branson went on to become a billionaire.
His anti-establishment style is reflected in his outlandish publicity stunts and non-conformist business practices. Branson has set world speed records for crossing the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean and has made several death-defying attempts to circle the globe in a hot-air balloon.
Arise Sir Richard
Branson received his knighthood from the Queen in 1999 following a business career that had already been in progress for nearly 30 years. Starting with a mail order record business in 1970, Branson went on to open the Virgin Records store in London in 1971. A year later he owned a chain of 14 stores and had opened a recording studio.
Branson ploughs the profits from his successful business ventures into new businesses, makes snap business decisions and willingly accepts new ideas from his own employees.
He maintains a casual, easygoing personality and is famous for humble acts like personally serving drinks to passengers on his aircraft.
Spaced Out
The Virgin Group has held interests in everything from cosmetics to telecommunications to airlines. Now the Virgin Group includes an out-of-this-world subsidiary known as Virgin Galactic. Branson's space company plans to offer short trips into space for fee-paying customers. Virginauts will travel in the company's own spacecraft.
Virgin spacecraft comprise a mothership called "White Knight" that will carry the spacecraft high into the atmosphere and a spacecraft module called SpaceShipTwo that will separate from the mothership high above the ground and fly up into space.
On June 19th this year Branson announced: "Virgin Galactic's mothership is on its way to the groundbreaking Spaceport America, world's first spaceport." To the ever higher reaching Branson, the sky is definitely not the limit.
Take This Gong
As a result of his numerous high profile life-risking stunts, his down-to-earth respect for his employees and customers, his spectacular success in business and the reputation he has earned for himself, the thousands of people he employs and for Britain, Blighty's Blog has no hesitation in throwing a gong at Sir Richard Branson.
Win a $5 Gift Voucher
Is there somebody you think we should throw a gong at? Send us your suggestion, with your reasons, using the "comments" link below this post. If we agree we'll send you a gift voucher redeemable by mail order or in person at Blighty's Tuck Store. Our only stipulation is that the person you suggest must be a prominent and well-known personality in Britain.
The Virgin King
Some call him "the Virgin King". Indeed, Sir Richard Branson is the head of The Virgin Group, a vast corporate empire encompassing everything from music to space travel.
You Will Go to Prison Young Man
Richard Branson was born in the south of England in 1950 and distinguished himself as an unusual character from an early age. The headmaster at his school told him he would either go to prison or become a millionaire. Branson went on to become a billionaire.
His anti-establishment style is reflected in his outlandish publicity stunts and non-conformist business practices. Branson has set world speed records for crossing the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean and has made several death-defying attempts to circle the globe in a hot-air balloon.
Arise Sir Richard
Branson received his knighthood from the Queen in 1999 following a business career that had already been in progress for nearly 30 years. Starting with a mail order record business in 1970, Branson went on to open the Virgin Records store in London in 1971. A year later he owned a chain of 14 stores and had opened a recording studio.
Branson ploughs the profits from his successful business ventures into new businesses, makes snap business decisions and willingly accepts new ideas from his own employees.
He maintains a casual, easygoing personality and is famous for humble acts like personally serving drinks to passengers on his aircraft.
Spaced Out
The Virgin Group has held interests in everything from cosmetics to telecommunications to airlines. Now the Virgin Group includes an out-of-this-world subsidiary known as Virgin Galactic. Branson's space company plans to offer short trips into space for fee-paying customers. Virginauts will travel in the company's own spacecraft.
Virgin spacecraft comprise a mothership called "White Knight" that will carry the spacecraft high into the atmosphere and a spacecraft module called SpaceShipTwo that will separate from the mothership high above the ground and fly up into space.
On June 19th this year Branson announced: "Virgin Galactic's mothership is on its way to the groundbreaking Spaceport America, world's first spaceport." To the ever higher reaching Branson, the sky is definitely not the limit.
Take This Gong
As a result of his numerous high profile life-risking stunts, his down-to-earth respect for his employees and customers, his spectacular success in business and the reputation he has earned for himself, the thousands of people he employs and for Britain, Blighty's Blog has no hesitation in throwing a gong at Sir Richard Branson.
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