June

June is the sixth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. In the Northern Hemisphere the summer solstice heralds the longest day with the most daylight hours, and in the Southern Hemisphere the winter solstice heralds the shortest day with the fewest daylight hours. 

June was most likely named for the Roman goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women. Another interpretation says that the name came from the Latin juvenis, “young people,” who were celebrated at this time.

👑 On the 2nd June 1953, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place. Villages, towns and cities across the UK were decorated in red, white and blue bunting, and in London the roads were packed with people waiting to see the royal processions. The Coronation was the first ever to be televised, and the sales of TV sets rocketed. Before the coronation most homes didn't have television. Many people bought one for this special occasion. 

👑 Trooping the Colour takes place on the 2nd June at Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall in London. The official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II is marked each year by a military parade and march-past, known as Trooping the Colour (Carrying of the Flag).

On the 3rd June 1978, The Guinness Book of Records broke a world record to become the world's best selling book. More than 35 million copies have been sold.

 June the 5th is World Environment Day

June the 8th is World Ocean Day

Donald Duck was "born" on the 9th June 1934. 

On the 10th June 1909, the 'SOS' signal was used for the first time when the Cunard liner SS Slavonia was wrecked off the Azores. Two steamers received her signals and went to the rescue.

The Magna Carta was signed on the 15th June 1215 between the barons of Medieval England and King John. Magna Carta means "Great Charter" and is an important piece of English history where the rights of individuals are protected against the power of the King or Queen. It didn't help the wives of Henry VIII though.

The 19th is Father's Day in the UK. 

The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere is on the 21st June. In the UK hundreds of people go to Stonehenge to watch the sun rise. It shines on one famous stone - the Heel stone. For the Druids this is a very important moment.

Helen Keller was born on the 27th June 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. At just 19 months old she was afflicted with an illness (thought to be scarlet fever) that left her blind and deaf. She became wild and uncontrollable due to her inability to communicate and learn. At the age of 6 she was examined by Alexander Graham Bell who sent her to a teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy from the Perkins Institution for the Blind in Boston. She lived a very interesting life, you can read more by following the link above.

On the 30th June 1859 Jean Francois Gravelot “The Great Blondin”, as he was often referred to, became the first person to walk a tight-rope across Niagara Falls. It took him approximately 20 minutes to complete the crossing keeping his balance with a thirty-foot long pole that weighed 40 pounds (18 kg). In August the same year he did the crossing again with his manager, Harry Colcord, on his back. During the following year Blondin made many more trips across the Falls. Each time, he thrilled the crowds with more exciting acts - crossing on a bicycle, blindfolded, pushing a wheelbarrow, and once he carried a stove, stopped half way across and cooked himself an omelette and on another time he crossed on stilts!!

∼ Be safe and well ∼  

Polly x