Can’t see the difference between Hungarian treatment of Slavs, USA treatment of Native Americans and bought-in slaves, English treatment of the Empire, Japan & China, China & Tibet, Mongols and China, Romans & the ‘known world’, Spain & South America, Aussies & Aboriginies ….. And so on through the ages. It’s time to walk forward while looking forward. Traditions keep communities alive and enjoying life. I say “Throw water”, “have tomato fights (Spain)”, “dance the hobby hoss (Cornwall)”, “slap your friends with wet fish (Trondheim)”. Have fun and be silly once in a while, you never know, you might enjoy it.

Simnel cake recipie, according to legend, was invented by Simon and Nelly from Devonshire. They wanted to treat their mother at Easter (only 2 Sundays after Mothering Sunday in England) by baking a cake. Simon liked a ‘boiled’ cake mixture, Nelly a ‘dry’ mixture. They compromised and made two cakes in one - a dry mix on the bottom layer, a thick filling of almond paste (marzipan) topped with the boiled mix, all baked in the oven. The decoration is very symbolic. Topped with a thick layer (the worldwide church), eleven (not 12) small balls (disciples without Judas) around the edge and a large one in the center (representing Christ of course), all made from almond paste, the whole lot is then glazed with honey and grilled until golden brown (the New Jerusalem paved with pure gold). And it just happens to taste good too. The one in the picture looks like a cheapo commercial one, much too flat as it’s supposed to be two cakes in one, has no risen Christ and no gold pavements! Adge. (Yes, that’s my real name) P.S. We like any excuse for a slice of rich fruit cake and a cup of tea.
In Yorkshire they like to have a slice of cheese with it.
In Scotland they bake it with almonds all over the top - a Dundee cake. Also, thought you’d like to know that the ‘UK’ is not a country, it is the United Kingdoms of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The kingdom of Great Britain is not a country either, it is a union of the countries of England and Scotland, and the principality of Wales. We are (most of us) very proud of our very ancient heritage.