Coming up in April

Interesting events an anniversaries in the month ahead.
1 April to 5 May
National Pet Month has been promoting responsible pet ownership and helping pet charities across the UK for the last 25 years. This year’s theme is Celebrating Our Pets and there events across the country. Find out more at www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk.
1 April
All Fools Day is widely recognized and celebrated in various countries as a day when people play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other. The earliest recorded association between 1 April and foolishness is an ambiguous reference in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
4 April
International Carrot Day. Who said Bugs Bunny was only a cartoon character? Find out more at www.carrotday.com.


5 April
American Indian Princess Pocahontas married John Rolfe on this day in 1614.
5 April
International Pillow Fight Day when there will be massive pillow fights in cities around the world. The events are organised under the umbrella of the Urban Playground Movement who organize free, fun, non-commercial public events. Again you can find more on their website at 2014.pillowfightday.com.
20 April
Easter Day. As well as being a major festival of the Christian church there will be traditional events (egg hunts, egg rolling, simnel cakes …) in many countries around the world.
22 April
Earth Day is an international project to encourage us all to do more to protect the planet and secure a sustainable future. This year the emphasis is on education an schools are being encouraged to join in. You’ll find lots of information over at www.earthday.org.
23 April to 21 June
British Asparagus Festival. The Vale of Evesham is the asparagus growing centre of the UK and each year they hold a 2 month-long festival during the asparagus season, starting with the first crop on St George’s Day. English asparagus is the best and has to be enjoyed during its short season, hence the festival. Find out more at www.britishasparagusfestival.org.
25 April
Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian pioneer of long-distance radio transmission was both on this day in 1874.
26 April
On this day in 1564 William Shakespeare is baptised in Stratford-upon-Avon.
28 April
On this day in 1789 the Mutiny on the Bounty is led by Fletcher Christian against Lieutenant William Bligh.