Tag Archives: armed forces

Britons are prouder of their history, NHS and army than of the Royals.

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While 2012 celebrates the Diamond Jubilee and London hosting the Olympics, it is history that makes people most proud to be British.

A survey commissioned by Channel 4 from Ipsos MORI found that more people (45%) are proud to be British due to the country’s history than they are because of the Royal Family (28%). And more people cite the NHS (37%) and the armed forces (36%) as a source of pride than they do the Royals. British sports teams come in at a lowly 10%. Bringing up the bottom of the table is British business, with only 4%.

Overall, which two or three of the following, would you say makes you most proud to be British?

1. Our history (45%)

2. The NHS (37%)

3. British Army / armed forces (36%)

4. The Royal Family (28%)

5. Our culture and arts (24%)

6. Our system of democracy (22%)

7. Having a free press / media (15%)

8. British sports teams (10%)

9. Our position in the world (5%)

10. British business (4%)

Timed to coincide with, Make Bradford British, a documentary series exploring what it means to be British, the survey also found that a ‘good sense of humour’ (45%) topped the poll when people were asked what are the best characteristics of British people, followed by friendly (34%) and tolerant to all sections of society (30%).

But while being funny may be the best British characteristic, of those surveyed, half (50%) said the worst was drinking too much. Ignorance of other cultures (33%) and complaining too much (23%) were also cited. And a fifth of respondents thought the worst characteristic was being lazy (20%).

Tea topped the poll not only as people’s favourite drink (38%) but also what they thought was the country’s national drink (65%) proving that we are a nation of tea lovers.

While fish and chips is seen as the national dish by four in ten Britons (41%) just one in ten (9%) say it is their favourite food. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding tops the poll as the nation’s favourite dish (33%).

And while 15% enjoy a curry as their meal of choice, only 8% think it’s the national dish.

Make Bradford British continues on Thursday 8 March at 9pm on Channel 4

Star Studded Event Honouring our Heroes

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The Inaugural Soldiering On Awards and Unique Charity Auction in Honour of BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association) on Sunday 20 March 2011

In the presence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and showbiz stars such as Hayley Mills, Tom Keane, Rick Wakeman and many other stars attending the first ever “Soldiering On Awards” organised by Members of the Armed Forces, BLESMA and friends from the world of Media and Entertainment.The awards will recognise the courage and determination of those servicemen and women severely injured in the line of duty and aim to reward those behind the scenes, who help them on their long and challenging road to recovery.

Hosted by Gloria Hunniford and Paul Martin at the prestigious The Savoy, London, the star-studded event will bring together celebrities, industry professionals, BLESMA supporters and members to show their support for our troops, and the life changing work BLESMA do to better the future for many amputees in the UK.

The awards categories will include: Fundraising Endeavour, Supportive Family, Volunteer of the Year, Sporting Endeavour of the Year, The Bowman Award, Making a Difference, Against All Odds, BLESMA Lifetime Commitment.

In each category, the awards recognise the bravery and professionalism of the men and women working in today’s Armed Forces around the world and honour incredible individuals such as Royal Marine Commado Mark Ormrod, who has fought back despite losing both his legs and right arm. They also celebrate members of the public who in various ways work diligently to support our servicemen and women.

The evening will commence with a champagne reception, presentations by BLESMA and music by the Swinging Blue Jeans band. Guests will also enjoy music from the Brass Quintet of the 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards Band and a special performance from virtuoso rock violinist, Analiza Ching. There will be an auction including 12 magnificent “Money Can’t Buy” prizes, with the aim of raising much needed funds for BLESMA. The money will continue to help BLESMA provide support to rebuild the lives, confidence and self-belief of our injured servicemen and women, by giving them the opportunity to participate in support networks and rehabilitation programmes.

Jerome Church, BLESMA General Secretary added, “I cannot tell you how moved we have been by the offers of help from all of the armed forces and volunteers from the Soldiering On Awards committee. These awards celebrate our servicemen and women and members of the community who work together to help rebuild their lives. We hope the incredible and unique auction prizes will raise money to improve the lives of people who deserve all the help and support we can offer them”.