Tuesday 25 August 2009

Looking Back - Human Cannonball Misses Target



On this day in 1974, a woman fired from a cannon in Bristol failed to break the English record for the second time. Mary Connors, 21, aimed to be shot further than anyone else had yet achieved in England by clearing the River Avon and landing in a safety net. Before her attempt Ms Connors said she was confident of success. "We've been working on the cannon ever since Wednesday and I think we've ironed out all the faults," she said. Ms Connors said she was persevering in spite of her failure because "it's a challenge to get to the other side." She had not taken out personal insurance for the attempts, Ms Connors added, but she had taken "a few swimming lessons." In the event they came in handy as Ms Connors, a secretary, again fell short and ended up in the water.
Events took a farcical turn when two men in a rescue boat also fell in the water as they tried to pull her out. The three then had to be rescued by another boat which was standing by with a frogman aboard.
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The first human cannonball act is believed to have taken place in1870s England. The most famous cannon balling family was the Zacchini brothers who began in 1922. Two Zacchinis are said to have collided in mid-air after being shot from opposite ends of a circus ring - one broke his back. Emanuel Zacchini set a world record distance of 175 feet (53 metres) in 1940.
It was broken in 1995 by American David Smith who was shot 180 feet (54.97 metres). More than 30 human cannonballs have been killed.
To watch a video of Ms Connors record attempt, click on the following link:

Can You Believe Your Eyes

Look closely at the coffee spills, what do you see?

Church Bulletins

Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing service will be discontinued until further notice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.
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The third verse of 'Blessed Assurance' will be sung without musical accomplishment.

Patient Recovers From Swine Flu With Only Minor Side Effects




Heard On Answering Machines

Hi! John's answering machine is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly and I'll stick your message to myself with one of these magnets.
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This is not an answering machine, this is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think about your name, your reason for calling, and a number where I can reach you, and I'll think about returning your call.
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Hello, I'm home right now but cannot find the phone. Please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I find it.

Petrol Prices




Who Am I?

Another Who Am I challenge. The usual ten clues that when solved will reveal the name of our mystery celebrity. Who do you think it is?

01 I was born on 14 June 1976.
02 My place of birth was Weymouth, Dorset.
03 I grew up in Northampton.
04 My father was manager of Northampton Football Club.
05 I graduated from Middlesex University with a degree in BA Drama and Theatre.
06 You may have seen me on the Richard & Judy show.
07 More recently I have been associated with the The Sunday Night Project.
08 I released a DVD in 2008 titled Tooth Fairy Live.
09 I have also released a book entitled Look Who It Is.
10 I won a British Comedy Award for best live stand-up.

Can you work out the name of our celebrity?