At the opening of the Tay-Thai Then heritage exhibition co-hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Vientiane on August 17, 2026, celebrating 64 years of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties.

Laos: Embassy of Vietnam Celebrates 81st Founding Anniversary! (14.10.2026)

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Minh Thiem, Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of Vietnam, highlighted the legacy of the national liberation struggle in the past 81 years, in which in the past 81 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam with the immortal idea of “Nothing is superior to independence and freedom”, the entire Vietnamese people have united as one, together with the pure spirit of international solidarity to bring the Vietnamese revolution from victory to victory. Fulfilling the mission of national liberation and national unity, and is successfully carrying out the mission of reform, taking a firm step towards socialism.

A Local Park in Gander Green Lane!

UK: Late-September – Time to go “Conkering”! (3.10.2026)

Two people would face-off in a Conkering Competition – with one holding their stringed conquer “still” – whilst the opponent “swung” their stringed conquer at it with as much force as they could muster. The impact would either do nothing – damage and/or smash the conker. The swing could also miss. I seem to remember the one strike each – or agreed number of strikes – often three-swings each. Today, children still marvel at the dropping of horse-chestnuts – but do not really know what to do with them. Kai-Lin, my ten-year old daughter, has gathered-up about 20 conkers from the local park. It seems that local schools banned Conkering due to injuries being sustained by participants and those watching. Although not officially banned – this draconian approach amounted to much the same effect.