Cally Wright & Neil Armstrong Graduate!

The University of Edinburgh commenced its summer graduations on 13 June, when Neil Armstrong was awarded an honorary degree in Washington. The degree ceremony included a laureation by NASA astronaut and Edinburgh graduate Piers Sellers.

Graduation ceremonies continued in Edinburgh from Monday 23 June and among the many notable and distinguished names honoured were Captain Eric Brown, Dr Anneila Sargeant, Randy Thom and Carolyn Wright.

Captain Eric Brown
Former Chief Naval Test Pilot Captain Eric Brown holds the record for flying the greatest number of different aircraft. He is the Fleet Air Arm’s most decorated pilot and was also the first pilot to land a jet aircraft on an aircraft carrier. He received the Doctor honoris causa on Tuesday, 24 June.

Dr Anneila Sargent
Fife-born Dr Anneila Sargent is one of the world’s leading astronomers. An Edinburgh graduate, Dr Sargent is Director of Owens Valley Radio Observatory in California and a former President of the American Astronomical Society. She received a Doctor of Science on Monday, 23 June.

Randy Thom
Double Oscar winner Randy Thom is a sound designer at the Lucas film Skywalker Sound facility in California. His illustrious career has included work on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Forrest Gump, Shrek 2 and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He received a Doctor of Music on Wednesday, 25 June.

Carolyn Wright
The young and attractive Carolyn Wright - fondly known as 'Cally' to her family and friends - worked diligently, both at Edinburgh University and the University of Granada, towards her 'Masters' degree in Spanish and Linguistics. Notably she is also the daughter of proud parents Paul & Wendy Wright who attended the ceromony along with her brother Dani. She received a Master of Arts honours degree on Thursday, 26 June.

Edinburgh Graduation Ceremony 2008

The Royal Highland Show 2008

The Royal Highland Show has a proud and successful history with its origins dating back to 1784 when the 'Highland Society of Edinburgh' was formed to positively influence the industry, culture and social life of rural Scotland. Granted a Royal Charter in 1787, King George VI bestowed the title "Royal" on the Society at the Highland Show in 1948.

This year's exciting programme of events included comprehensive practical demonstrations and rural pursuits and other activities including over 4,000 competing animals and almost 1,000 trade stands! This year marks the show’s 168th year and the 49th to be held at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston just outside Edinburgh.

One of the highlights this year was the introduction of a Highland Games competition held in the main ring. International competitors demonstrated the skills involved in caber tossing, stone putting and weight for height where a 56lb weight is heaved over a bar. Other features included farming machinery demonstrations, sheepdog displays, axe throwing competitions, and a variety of popular equestrian events. The bandstand was naturally a big attraction with a wide range of talent featuring the Queen Victoria Pipes & Drums, The Royal British Legion Band and the Argyll's Cadet Band ... to name but a few!

Silver & Gold Jewellery

For those with a keen interest in serious shopping, Paul Wright Jewellery was once again a popular draw with a fine display of silver and gold jewellery including the popular "silver daisy jewellery" collection. One delighted customer, Fiona MacIntosh, was pleased to add to the silver daisy necklace she bought last year.

"I have had so many compliments - I just had to buy the matching silver daisy earrings and the new silver daisy bangle design. I am thrilled to see the new silver and gold jewellery products that have been added to this popular range."

Another equally satisfied customer had just purchased a diamond wedding ring set in platinum to compliment the diamond engagement ring bought earlier in the year from the new Paul Wright Jewellery website.

"We just love these original jewellery designs and the fantastic attention to detail that Paul Wright Jewellery has to offer", he said.

The short video presentation gives an idea of the great time had by all. For further information on the silver daisy jewellery, platinum wedding rings and diamond engagement rings available through Paul Wright Jewellery please log on to:

www.paulwrightjewellery.com

South of England Show 2008

This is the South Coast's biggest celebration of farming and country life!

2008 was certainly no disappointment as literally thousands of people flocked to the South of England Show held at Ardingly, near Haywards Heath and enjoyed three days of glorious sunshine.

Events this year included show jumping, carriage driving, daily displays by heavy horses and a polo demonstration. Although the cattle competitions were still a major feature of this important show, pigs were in the limelight as this was the 'Year of the Pig'. To celebrate, a pig village had been set up and a variety of different breeds could be seen, including rare long-haired woolly pigs called mangalitzas. In fact the South of England Agricultural Society's president, the Duke of Norfolk, brought one of his own pigs along to open the show!

As well as the animal classes, arena events included stunt rider Jason Smyth and his Adrenaline Tour Motorcycle Show. The crowds were enthralled ... especially when he progressed to the quadbike jumps!

The flower marquee proved to be another popular attraction with excellent exhibits and some notable prize winners this year.

Those keen on shopping were naturally attracted to the 'Rural Crafts Marquee' - possibly the most popular shopping area within the Showground. 'Paul Wright Jewellery' had a prominent corner position at the very front of the marquee and the mouth-watering silver and gold jewellery display remained a focus of attention for the appreciative crowds on all three days!

Jewellery designer and manufacturer, Paul Wright, said "Our new silver and gold jewellery designs for 2008 were extremely well received at the South of England Show, and our 'daisy jewellery' collection was most certainly a firm favourite this year!"

Silver Daisy Necklace - £69