£230 spent on Saint Georges Day over the last 5 years!

[c_r]

Originally Posted by Russ B

Yes they do, from taxpayers all over Europe. Not just the English.

Well obviously, the point is EU taxpayers money is used to promote St David's Day and not (as far as I'm aware) St George's Day.

[Russ]

There's no real rule on how the money is spent. If the WAG wants to promote Welsh business interests around the world by telling it about St David's Day then they can do so. If the UK government wants to do the same but for St George, it will rightly come up against protests from the rest of us.

[c_r]

Originally Posted by Russ B

There's no real rule on how the money is spent. If the WAG wants to promote Welsh business interests around the world by telling it about St David's Day then they can do so. If the UK government wants to do the same but for St George, it will rightly come up against protests from the rest of us.

Yes I agree. It sort of strengthens the argument for an English body to look after the interests of the English in such matters doesn't it? As you rightly say, there's no way the UK government could do it without protests.

[cimt]

Originally Posted by Russ B

I really don't think the English should be allowed to celebrate St George's Day, or even have such a dedicated day anyway. It just sounds too much like racism to me. The celtic nations however have long since been oppressed by England so we should be allowed to celebrate our national saint's days. If you're English and you don't like that then sorry but blame your oppressive and destructive forefathers.

OK, I know your joking, but although they will be people who think that, there's people who think we shouldn't chant "Come on England!" in a football match because it discriminates the opposing team.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A37086834

http://www.myfootballforum.com/showthread.php?t=11693

Now that's how bad things are getting. Sorry, I can't find the proper article.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by cimt

Sorry, I can't find the proper article.

Maybe because it's not true? Something like that would never be genuine, even coming from Mr Platini and Mr Blatter.

[SMHarman]

Originally Posted by Damien

It's not about celebrating Irish Heritage, it's about people liking to get drunk as well as well the whole Irish theme there is. No one cares about Saint Georges Day because there is no festival or theme to it. So who cares? What are you meant to do on Saint Georges Day?

What are you meant to do on StPatricks day, watch a parade and get drunk, what do the scots do on St Andrews day? Watch a bagpipe and kilt parade and get drunk, hmm, now lets think of a theme for St Georges day. I know watch a parade and get drunk?

What do the Americans do on 4th July, light fireworks and have BBQ parties. The country could close the streets hand have street parties like they did for the Queens Silver Jubilee

[LondonRoad]

Originally Posted by Russ B

The only problem I can see is too many of you blur England with Britain and as a result the BNP will no doubt end up involved somehow and hijacking the whole event and a political stunt and ruining what was started out as a great idea.

Unfortunately I think you're probably right Russ.

Flag waving and patrionism are often used by the less savoury fanatics in our society to further their own ends.

I don't think though that you can compare St Patrick's day with any other patron saint's day. St Patrick's day is a Global phenomenon celebrated in every major city in the world.

Here in Scotland, St Andrew's day passes by hardly being noticed, but St Patrick's day is widely celebrated.

Personally, I think we all benefit from living in a multi-cultural society, but we should still celebrate all the good things about our culture.

Originally Posted by harmitage

Unfortunately I think you're probably right Russ.

Flag waving and patrionism are often used by the less savoury fanatics in our society to further their own ends.

I don't think though that you can compare St Patrick's day with any other patron saint's day. St Patrick's day is a Global phenomenon celebrated in every major city in the world.

Here in Scotland, St Andrew's day passes by hardly being noticed, but St Patrick's day is widely celebrated.

Personally, I think we all benefit from living in a multi-cultural society, but we should still celebrate all the good things about our culture.

Boesn't Scotland actually celebrate it's own bard rather more than it does it's patron Saint.

Which is why I think we should use the 23rd of April to celebrate the birth and death of Shakespeare and leave a dubious saint out of the matter whom is barely taught about in school.At least most of the population have heard about,read and spoken Shakespeare's words.

Originally Posted by frogstamper

On this coggy we're in full agreement Shakespeare would be a great figurehead to celebrate England's national day.

I think a more appropriate choice would have to be Roy "Chubby" Brown.

Originally Posted by Enuff

I think a more appropriate choice would have to be Roy "Chubby" Brown.

you only read the sanitised versions of Shakespeare, then

Originally Posted by homealone

you only read the sanitised versions of Shakespeare, then

"Love's Labours Lost" is absolutely filthy!