As part of the Treaty of the Pyrenees between France and Spain in 1659, France gained Roussillon and Perpignan, parts of Luxembourg and towns in Flanders such as Arras and Béthune. The treaty set the new border with Spain at the Pyrenees and because of this decision Carcassonne’s importance as a military base dwindled rapidlyContinue reading “Carcassonne”
Tag Archives: humor
Montsegur
I visited Montsegur to see the place where the Cathars had made their ‘last stand’ against the besieging forces of the King of France. I was also intrigued about the Cathar treasure many people believe was spirited away during the final days of the siege. By the beginning of 1240 most Cathar leaders, and almostContinue reading “Montsegur”
Dolphin Friendly Cheddar Cheese Producers (DFCCP)
Extract from the book – 40 Strange Groups This organisation promotes animal welfare and ensures that no harm comes to any dolphins during the production of cheddar cheese by its members. The cows whose milk is used in the production of the cheese are gently persuaded to enter the milking shed, either by being givenContinue reading “Dolphin Friendly Cheddar Cheese Producers (DFCCP)”
Beaver Introduction Society of the UK
Extract from the book – 40 Strange Groups This society believes that beavers should be introduced into all areas of the UK where streams and brooks regularly overflow their banks. They cite examples in the south west of England, where the recent introduction of beavers had led to less flooding during the rainy winters. BeaversContinue reading “Beaver Introduction Society of the UK”
Humane Mousetrap Society
Extract from the book – 40 Strange Groups To be accepted into this elite group, prospective entrants must demonstrate they’ve invented a mousetrap that no one else has thought of. The trap must not kill the mouse, so bringing your hungry pet cat to the entrance exam won’t work. Would-be members have one hour toContinue reading “Humane Mousetrap Society”
Buddhists for Peaceful Furniture Assembly
Extract from the book – 40 Secret Groups Buddhists belonging to this group can be phoned by purchasers of Ikea flat-pack furniture and asked to come along to the purchasers home to provide a peaceful environment when the furniture is being put together. BPIFA have discovered a more harmonious environment promotes more peaceful furniture assemblageContinue reading “Buddhists for Peaceful Furniture Assembly”
The Eight Wives of Henry VI society
This society, known familiarly as the “The Eight Wives”, is an umbrella organisation for groups who believe a number of conspiracy theories regarding English history, including the theory Henry VI had eight wives, a record that Henry VIII tried to break without success. Other theories include one where Elizabeth I was really a man calledContinue reading “The Eight Wives of Henry VI society”
Islay Whisky Cyclists
The race is restricted to 26 riders, who have qualified either by finishing in the top 10 in the previous year’s race or who came in the top 8 in either of the two qualifying races, the Speyside North or the Speyside South. These two qualifying races are run on the same day, one headingContinue reading “Islay Whisky Cyclists”
The Edward de Vere Society (EdVS)
Excerpt from the book – 40 Secret Groups The Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare authorship holds that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, wrote the plays and poems traditionally attributed to William Shakespeare. It is recognized by Oxfordians and Stratfordians alike that writing about royal courts, Italy and law required a certain prerequisite level ofContinue reading “The Edward de Vere Society (EdVS)”
Dog Owners Against Crows and Squirrels (DOACS)
Excerpt from the book – 40 Secret Groups This Canadian group was formed after a man’s pet dog was attacked by a group of crows and a squirrel in Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto during April 2015. The crows thought the dog was heading towards the tree where they were nesting and swooped down overContinue reading “Dog Owners Against Crows and Squirrels (DOACS)”
Julian Worker Fiction Writing 