This year The Oscars have been the centre of controversy – whether it be racism, age or gender issues – they have certainly evoked emotive dialogue and heated discussion.
A number of stars have even boycotted the event in protest against their claim of discrimination, which proffers the question of its relevance in the grand scheme of things.
But out of muck comes beauty, and an amazing tribute was performed by Lady Gaga surrounded by 50 survivors of abuse from College Campuses all over the US.
With a moving and rather astonishing introduction by Vice President Joe Biden, this music icon performed the strike point of the evening.
Lady Gaga herself has been a talking point of discussion over the years with her dress made of meat and ‘off the wall’ performances, but as she performed her song ‘The Hunting Ground’ we had to take her seriously. She shocked as always, but this time in a great way, she also moved us and performed with such heartfelt sincerity, that everyone at home or in house, was rocked to the core.
Gaga herself had been the victim of sexual abuse, and as she surrounded herself by other victims with writing on their arms like ‘NOT YOUR FAULT’ and ‘UNBREAKABLE’, we knew she was a fiery force of pure passion for all survivors including herself.
(Official Oscar Photographs)
It was the first time that such a ground breaking gesture had been inaugurated at such an iconic event, but it really did go a long way to redeem itself and upstage the storm of its debate.
Performances like this make international events worthwhile, even if they arouse high emotions. Perhaps that is what they are for.
After all we have all been guilty, in spite of our devout political correctness, of occasionally questioning blame on certain victims of sexual abuse.
Wiping it quickly from our minds we make the right noises and say the appropriate sentences, but if you see the performance from Lady Gaga at the Oscars last night – you will never question again.
Caravanning is an ever increasing choice for families and empty nesters as a holiday or even a second home.
It may surprise you to know that the first Caravan site was opened in 1890 in The Isle of Man and it was after that regarded as the ‘rich man’s’ past time, right up until the fifties when it exploded as a more affordable option for families on a tight budget.
With the increased deluxe design of caravans and campervans, and the reinvention of camping sites, it is now more reminiscent of a high end hotel than an episode of Heidi-hi.
It is not that we are against a good karaoke or a camp fire furore, far from it, but the option is yours, and more and more people are making it.
Harvey Alexander, Caravan Club Director of Marketing says ‘Caravanning is a fantastic holiday option. Modern caravans are so luxurious, truly five star. The Club represents one million caravanners and we are delighted to have many celebrity members and ambassadors’.
(Photo courtesy of: www.campingmougas.es)
If you are already a caravanner or are considering it as an investment, it would benefit you to join this well established club. The Caravan Club was first formed in 1907 and it now has an incredible 375,000 family members. It is a pool of information and advice, and if you have a question, rest assured they will know the answer with anything Caravan related. They have access to a multitude of sites, and have experienced all the practicalities of caravanning. Check them out on www.caravanclub.co.uk.
Dame Helen Mirren, Lorraine Kelly, Billie Piper and Jamie Oliver are just a few of the celebrities who are now owners of motorhomes or caravans.
Caravans are now equipped with all amenities, and give us the flexibility to cook our favourite meals, without having to rely on restricted hotel food, select your location or holiday destinations.
You can buy or hire a campervan if you would prefer to tour, which will give you access to the many camp sites throughout the UK and Europe and will give the sense of adventure to explore landscapes, villages and architecture that would otherwise escape you.
If you are travelling with kids, it will give you the opportunity to introduce them to new horizons including the many farms and parks catering for young people with inspiring activities to keep them amused.
Caravanning now adds to the economy by an amazing £6 billion, which is proof in itself. It is evident that this is the way to go, and more and more people are grabbing the concept and making it their own.
As part of the Glotime ‘UK Holiday Challenge’ we stumble upon a gem of an Inn in the charming village of Coniston, Cumbria in the Lake District.
Coniston is a great destination for walkers and climbers, as well as families wanting to explore beyond its boundaries. Many famous writers have visited and lived in Coniston, including Coleridge and John Ruskin, who is now buried in the famous St Andrews Church and has a Museum in his name in the Village.
In more recent times, Donald Campbell broke the water speed record on Coniston Water in 1955, but was killed attempting to regain it again in 1967. There is a memorial to him on the village green, just opposite the car park, and information about him in the Ruskin Museum.
The delightful Black Bull Inn and Hotel was built around 400 years ago as a coaching inn providing accommodation for travellers, coachmen and horses.
The Inn is situated in the heart of Coniston Village, beside the beck and in the shadow of the ‘Old Man’ mountain. We felt it important to give you more detail of this exceptional accommodation, as they have left no stone unturned in their effort to cater to all of their guests.
They have 15 comfortable bedrooms, each with bath/shower ensuite, colour tv, tea/coffee making facilities, hair-dryer, full central heating and double glazing. The original features and character of the rooms have still been retained.
They serve a range of light snacks, catch of the day, hearty meat dishes and vegetarian dishes.
The most recent addition to their hostelry is a microbrewery, in which they brew their own beer, Bluebird Bitter and Old Man Ale. They use on the finest ingredients and their local mountain water.
We began to investigate the location and country inn when one of our Glotime followers, Lynn Walker contacted us recommending this as a great place to visit and stay.
Lynn had visited The Old Bull last year with her husband and two children, and one evening was walking across the courtyard, when she glimpsed a man walking ahead of her in Coachman attire. When she turned the corner the man had disappeared, which she put down to him being faster on foot. She assumed that there was a local celebration or festival in the village for its history, but on investigation, discovered that there was nothing to explain a fancy dress occasion.
Many ghostly experiences have been recorded in the Village and especially at The Old Black Bull, but it is hardly surprising with its rich cultural past and vibrant history.
Lynn related her findings to us with great excitement, and assures us that it did not spoil her holiday in any way, but added to the quality of the stay, which she would heartily recommend.
October 18, 2026 1902 Miriam Hopkins 1918 Donald Shephard 1939 Lee Harvey Oswald 1926 Chuck Berry 1933 Peter Boyle 1956 Martina Navratilova 1961 Wynton Marsalis 1961 Jean-Claude Van Damme 1965 Sean Patrick Flannery
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