MISS ENGLAND JOINS ABELS TO MARK ST GEORGE'S DAY

Abels Moving Services sponsored the annual St. George's Day celebration at the Houses of Parliament today (April 23).

The St. George's Day All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) hosted a Parliamentary reception and a series of media events at the House of Commons, attended by Miss England, Miss Laura Coleman, and the Abels team.

St George's Day is England's national day,” said John Watson, UK managing director of Abels Moving Services. “Our heritage and traditions, both mythical and real, should be celebrated enthusiastically.

“After all, they make us what we are today, forming the bedrock of what has made this country great.”

Andrew Rosindell MP, the chairman of the St. George's Day APPG, welcomed Abels' support: “St. George's Day is England's national day and should be celebrated in the same way as Ireland celebrates St Patrick's Day and Scotland St. Andrew's Day.

“Abels' support in marking St. George's Day is very much appreciated, and has enabled us to do the day justice in the democratic centre of our country.”

St George's Day was once a major feast in England on a par with Christmas from the early 15th century. However, this tradition waned by the end of the 18th century, although the popularity of St George's Day has been increasing over recent years. In 2006 BBC Radio 3 ran a full programme of St George's Day events and there have been calls and campaigns to make St George's Day a public holiday.

Although Saint George is the Patron Saint of England, it is not known that St George was English and it is not certain that he ever visited England, although legend has it that he was born in Caludon Castle in Wyken, near Coventry. The best-known part of the legend is that St.George slayed a dragon, although this has never been substantiated.

St. George's emblem, a red cross on a white background, is the flag of England, and part of the British flag. The emblem was adopted by Richard The Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12th century. The king's soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.

Further information about the St George's Day All Party Parliamentary Group can be found at www.StGeorgesDayAPPG.co.uk.