So what was the greatest event of 2012?

Wow. Therefore, 2012 has gone, departed, left us for a completely new year full of dreams, worries and who knows what else. Despite claims we would all be killed in 2012 (those Mayans must be kicking themselves), we are all still here and the majority of us are still healthy.

So what will 2013 offer us? A year of hope? Well with the country still bracing itself for more cuts, money is still tight and we are likely to continue to feel the pinch.

Nevertheless, we have lots to look forward to. Thanks to 2012 and the Olympic legacy, the whole country seems to be going sporting mad. Up and down the country, people are digging out their dusty rackets or oiling their bike chains and getting fit again. Already I have booked a gym induction and started my night-time routine of sit-ups and press-ups. Who needs a night cap when you can have a deadly concoction of exercise and more exercise instead?

The Olympics were undoubtedly the biggest talking point of 2012. Forget the budget, forget Gangnam Style; London was the focal point for all of Britain and indeed the world. The country was painted gold as we celebrated the achievements of Wiggo, Ennis, Farah and co. For me, it was personal journey that I loved every minute of. Having the chance to work at the Olympics, see some of the sporting action and indeed the athletes at the parade was fantastic, an opportunity I shall treasure forever.

The Olympics even overshadowed the Queen to become the nation’s event of 2012. Poor Liz just could not compare to the Spice Girls, Sir Chris Hoy or Ellie Simmonds in the Paralympics. Yes, we had two sporting events this year to give us something to smile about; the Paralympics were just as successful and just as exciting as the Olympics, despite the fact most of us forgetting about the Paralympics.

It is a tribute to the fantastic efforts of so many of our sporting stars that many of our Olympic heroes are being awarded knighthoods and honours. All of them thoroughly deserve the attention and glory, they did our country proud and we will never forget what they have achieved. It leaves me teary eyed to think the Olympics won’t be back on this year, but alas, we have plenty of other sporting events to look forward to in the future; the Rugby World Cup, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014, and of course Rio in 2016. I’m already tempted to dig out my maracas and join the party in Rio as a volunteer!

So raise your glass to 2012, a year of sport, the year the UK put aside its problems and joined in the celebrations to mark what was perhaps the most successful Olympics ever witnessed by the world. Well done Great Britain, well done 2012!

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

Beer at the ready: how the British Public House is fighting back

The great British pub, once a favourite pastime for the men and women of our country, is now a dying breed clinging on for survival.

A British Beer & Pub Association report claims that up to 52 pubs are closing every week every week, nearly seven a day. Since 2008, 4,500 pubs have closed in Britain. In 2009 alone, there were over 24,000 job losses in the beer industry alone, with the figure rising each year since.

It is worrying news for the industry, which has seen fierce competition from cheap deals at supermarkets, and rising alcohol levies introduced by the government.

However, the pubs are fighting back. A new campaign by CAMRA – Campaign for Real Ale – has seen 5,500 pubs across the UK unite to defy the gloom and entice new customers through a new national event.

The first ever ‘Community Pubs Month’, being held this April, aims to attract the nation to go to pubs and bars, by putting on special events, activities and celebrations, helping to reinstate the former golden years of the pub in Britain.

The public house in Britain has been around for many generations. The tavern can be linked back to the early Roman times, whereas the 14th century saw the formation of the ‘pub’ as we now know it today. According to pubs.com, “for centuries it has been a place where friends meet, colleagues 'talk shop' and business people negotiate deals; a place where people gather to celebrate, play games, or to seek quiet relaxation.”

But times have changed. Dogged by dwindling punter numbers and a government keen to crack down on binge drinking, the industry has suffered more in the last decade then it has at any other point in its long, colourful history. Although, according to pubs.org.uk, “15 million people still drink in their local each week.”

However, recent statistics released by CAMRA show that 9 in 10 young pub going adults (89%) visit their local pub to meet friends and socialise, whilst 1 in 4 currently married couples (25%) first met their partner down the pub.

Keen to tempt new customers to pubs across the country, CAMRA have launched their new campaign at a time of increased interest in the British public house. With an unusually hot spring and events such as the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, the public need somewhere to go to enjoy the weather and celebrate with their communities.

In a sense, this is what the new ‘Community Pubs Month’ is all about. Over April, 5,500 pubs across the country will be taking part in the new initiative, hosting various events, from Ann Summers Parties to Pig Racing.

Mike Benner, CAMRA Chief Executive said: “CAMRA’s new campaign is all about reaffirming the vital importance of local pubs, and the essential role they play in many people’s lives.”

“Pubs are the beating hearts of countless communities across the land”, he added. “Without their existence, society would be a lot worse off.”

Campaigners backing the event hope that it will reignite the community view of the pub being the heart of a village or community. Already, pubs have drawn up several ideas across April.

The Leopard in Burton-On-Trent plans to hold an ‘Ann Summers’ party for punters to try on the latest lingerie, whereas The Market in Alton plan to host a charity auction and curry night this month.

The plans are being rolled out quickly in order to attract new customers before the planned increase in alcohol duty in the summer, which is likely to increase the price of the average pint by 15 pence. However, the recent announcement for a minimum alcohol price to be set at 40p a unit may provide some good news for the pub industry, where cheap supermarket prices have dented profits.

The plans by CAMRA are ambitious, and may turn regular punters off from going to their local drinking hole. But they offer a chance for the public house to rekindle its former glory days. Despite recent statistics from the Office of National Statistics ‘National Wellbeing programme’ reported that in 2010, there were 6 million fewer trips across Britain after the high of the ‘staycation’ shown in 2009.

Whether the pub industry will survive another decade or so remains to be seen. It all depends on the mood of the public. With families feeling the pinch across Britain, pubs may be viewed as a cheaper alternative for a good day out. Hopefully the plans will provide some good news for the economy.

CAMRA’s ‘Community Pubs Month’ runs throughout April nationwide. Visit www.camra.org.uk for more details.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

This piece is a version taken from my 1st year portfolio, which I produced on my journalism course at the University of Kent

Royal fever confirms the monarchy is here to stay

These last few weeks have been a right royal affair for Great Britian. Across the nation (and indeed the world), people have been watching their television's and getting their bunting ready as we celebrated 60 years of one of the nation's most iconic and most important women of the last two centuries.

Yes, I'm talking about Queen Elizabeth II. Her majesty has recently celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in style, with the majority of the UK turning out to party and applaud 60 years of her reign.

And what's better, despite the economic downturn and 'rumours' that the public are turning against our beloved Royal Family, the latest statistics show that the popularity of the Royal's has reached rocket levels since research began.

The Daily Mail reported yesterday that the Ipsos Mori poll had recorded that 9/10 people in the UK were happy at the job the Queen was doing for this country, the highest rating since records began in 1992. The findings also suggested 77% of the nation favoured the monarchy over a reformed republic, which only generated a measly 15% in favour.

The Queen can be criticised for many things. She is, when all things considered, a ceremonial figurehead who in reality does very little for the country. All the decisions are in the hands of the Prime Minister since the Bill of Rights 1689 effectively ended the royal sovereignty and shifted it to parliamentary sovereignty (the PM basically has control over the state, rather then the monarch.)

But even if the Queen plays a ceremonial role, she does have significant influence and, as the statistics suggest, is more popular then ever before. At the grand old age of 86, she still plays an important role as part of our unwritten constitution. And it's a role she's successfully managed to fulfil these last 60 years.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said of the Queen's role over the last 60 years:

"After 60 years on the throne she has proved the value of the monarchy in uniting the nation, and she has put the republicans to a spectacular rout. ... she has seen the people of this country grow incomparably richer, healthier and (arguably) happier than they were in 1952."

The last two years, I believe, have been the turning point for the Royal Family. Since the problems caused by the death of Princess Diana, the monarchy has built up its reputation and remains a powerful emblem of British society. The Royal Wedding last year saw record numbers of viewers and tourists watch Prince William and Kate Middleton become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, reigniting the popularity of the monarchy, particularly with younger generations. The young couple have shown that the Royal Family are still in-touch with the nation, and their popularity shows that.

But the Queen still remains the pillar of the Royal Family, as the huge crowds and nationwide celebrations reiterated. More street parties were thrown for the Diamond Jubilee than the Royal Wedding, and more people visited London (despite the rain) too. The flotilla of boats saw people from across the Commonwealth float along the Thames, and even celebrities and pop stars saluted the Queen with the Jubilee concert. Bunting was everywhere, and even those disgruntled against the monarchy joined in the festivities (and those that still campaigned were detained, good riddance!)

I will not deny my biased opinion in support of the Queen. I love the monarchy, I think the Queen is fantastic and yes I was waving my flag ecstatically during the Jubilee weekend. I even cried a little at the moving speech by Prince Charles at the end of the Jubilee concert (particularly the 'mummy' bit!)

The Jubilee festivities taught me two things. One; Britain, despite the miserable weather, certainly knows how to put on a party. And two; Britain still loves our majesty, despite the economic problems and past problems. So here's to Liz and the Royal Family. Long may you lead our country, and long may other nations remain envious of our rich and colourful history between the monarchy and the nation.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia/ my own

Brand British: why are we not supporting it further?

The fashion world was left reeling last week at the shock announcement that British brand Aquascutum has collapsed into administration. Led by owner Harold Tillman, his buyout of the chain in 2009 had high hopes pinned on the luxury retailer success, but merely four years later, the brand has fallen foul to the the credit crunch.

 Of course, a British retailer closing down - the brand has shops and concessions dotted all over the country - is indeed a worry for the already gloomy economy. But my main concern here was echoed in a recent Mail on Sunday article, which suggested that the fashion industry had lost a big champion of the popular 'Brand British'.

To be clear what Brand British actually refers to, i'll explain. Brand British is the rising popularity of British clothing chains. Jaeger, Topshop/Man and brands like Burberry and Mulberg are all flying the flag for Britain, with each label and many others noticing an increasingly prosperous market in places like the Far East. Emerging economies like China just can't get enough of our fashion, and this has become apparent with the rising success of British clothing companies in these countries.

This has been helped too by the popularity of British Fashion Week, personalities like Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Kate and Pippa Middleton, as well as forthcoming events such as the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee.

Which is why the announcement that Aquascutum had called in the administrators was rather alarming. The brand has been at the forefront to the regeneration of the British industry, producing its garments in its own factory in Corby, Northamptonshire.

So why would it call in the administrators, despite the recent success of the British Brand? Well, that remains to be seen. Tillman was a high profile figure in the fashion industry, a friend of the 'retail ratpack' which includes Sir Philip Green and Sir Stuart Rose. He has the knowledge, and his success as chairman of the British Fashion Council highlights this, but only last week he sold Jaeger to a private equity firm.

My thoughts? I think the problem lies much deeper, and can be stemmed back to the government. Because in times of increasing publicity for events such as the Olympics and Jubilee, surely the concern should be on the British Brand.

Look at the Olympic sponsors, for example. Adidas were recently criticised for making the Olympic uniforms and kits in the Far East, allegedly in sweat shops. If you study the main sponsors for the games, you'll realise that very few are actually British companies. Next were awarded the official sponsorship for clothing, but you don't see them advertising 'Brand British'. Sainsburys, who are an official partner for the Paralympics, have made little contribution to the British Brand either.

Like most of these things, it's down to money. If you're going to produce anything anywhere these days, it's not going to be in the UK. Philip Green may claim he wants to move production to the UK, but realistically there are only 50,000 people working in the British clothing manufacturing industry, compared to the 1.2million workers in 1976.

As companies like Arcadia, Marks & Spencer and even Tesco aim to pick up on the success of more established brands like Alexander McQueen, Mulberry and Burberry who have made their successes in foreign countries, its ultimately a question of protecting your investment by cutting costs. Ultimately, this means production is only going to decrease in the UK, and closures of factories such as the Aquascutum one are a consequence.

It's a really big shame, and it's one people like Jeff Banks and Mary Portas, who recently announced her plan to regenerate the British High Street, are keen to point out. On a recent trip to New Zealand, I was amazed at the success of their 'Buy NZ' brand, which was used in supermarkets and chains across the country. It was refreshing to see the 'Made in New Zealand' logo on goods. When was the last time you saw that written on an item of clothing in the UK?

Of course, we're still going to keep on buying our Bangladeshi made clothes from Primark, but as the world looks to Britain for cutting edge fashion, maybe now is the time to ditch the cheap for the quality?

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia