It’s only a week and a bit away ‘til us Brits get ready to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee 2012. Everyone here at GoneDigging Towers is excited, so much so, in fact, that we’ve organised a Jubilee-themed fancy dress party at the office. Yep, seriously.

The last time we had a Diamond Jubilee was way back in 1897 to mark the then Queen – Queen Victoria. Let’s face it. Since Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne 60 years ago, on 6th February 1952, Britain has witnessed a mahoosive economic, social and political transformation, right? Despite the ups and the downs, the Queen’s remained up to speed as the head of the world’s most famous Royal Family. Not once has she faltered.

With the Cup Final on Saturday, GoneDigging thought it’d be a bloody stonking idea to dig out ten of the greatest ever FA Cup Final goals. It’s by no means a comprehensive list, so please don’t take umbrage or write a snotty email deriding our selection. Instead, kick back and feast your eyes on these beauties. Enjoy!

Ricky Villa Vs Manchester City, 1981

It was 1981 and in a year when Ossie Ardiles famously sang, ‘for Tottingham’, it was left to his Argentinean compatriot to net two of Spurs’ goals in their 3-2 replay success over Manchester City. With the scores level at 2-2 and with just 14 minutes left on the clock, Villa proceeded to jink his way through the City defence before slotting home. Here’s a reminder…

George: the Man

So what does GoneDigging actually know about St George? We know chavs hang his flag out their bedroom window once every two years. And there’s that story in which he killed a dragon. But what else did he do? And who was he? Let’s take a little look-see…

Most of us are aware that he’s England’s patron saint, typically identified by English ideals of honour, bravery and gallantry. And yet actually, he wasn’t English at all. In fact, he was probably born in the third century to Christian parents in Cappadocia, in an area that’s now in Turkey. However, when his dad died, it’s thought his mum moved them back to her native Palestine. Thereafter, the story goes that George became a soldier in the Roman army – rising to the rank of Tribune.

On the 14th April, this year’s National will take place at its usual home at Aintree Racecourse. To mark the occasion, GoneDigging thought we’d take a look at all things Grand National...

The Grand National’s Early History

The Grand National was founded by William Lynn – a syndicate head and proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel. Using leased land in Aintree, he set out the course and built a grandstand before Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone in February, 1829.

Despite much historical debate since, it is thought the first race was run seven years later in 1836. Both this race and 1837’s were won by The Duke, while the 1838 win went to Sir William.

Want to set up an Easter egg hunt for your kiddies? GoneDigging has put together a few tips on material, how to prepare and how to make it simple and exciting for all ages, grown-ups included!

What You’ll Need:

• Chocolate Easter eggs. Plump for some small mini eggs along with some larger, foil-wrapped eggs

• A couple of containers to collect the eggs in, like baskets, bowls or pots

• Paints, sellotape and card

• Craft materials

• A pen and some paper

A Few Tips Before you Start:

To make sure things run swimmingly, it’s always good to lay a few ground rules...

With April Fools’ Day just round the corner, GoneDigging thought it’d be fun to take a look at some of the biggest and best pranks ever pulled off. Here’s our top five…

Panorama Spaghetti Harvest

It’s 1957 and thanks to a very mild winter and the elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. Or so Panorama had the nation believe. Massive numbers of viewers fell for it, with many contacting the BBC wanting to know how to grow their own. Here’s the clip…

Sidd Finch

We’re going across the pond for this one. In the April 1985 issue of ‘Sports Illustrated’, journalist George Plimpton had a story published about a rookie pitcher who planned to play for the New York Mets. His name was Sidd Finch and it was claimed that he could throw a baseball at 168mph – a full 65mph faster than the previous record. Better still, he was reportedly able to do it with pinpoint accuracy. The story then went on to claim that Finch had mastered the “art of pitch” in a Tibetan monastery under the tutorship of the “great poet-saint Lama Milaraspa”. Overjoyed Mets fans flooded ‘Sports Illustrated’ with requests for more information, although had they looked closely, they’d have seen the clue in the article’s sub-heading, “He’s a pitcher, part yogi and part recluse. Impressively liberated from our opulent lifestyle, Sidd’s deciding about yoga – and his future in baseball”. Take the first letter from every word…

The spring has definitely sprung. It’s gloriously sunny outside and we’re clad in our shorts and flip-flops (at least I am anyway). Everyone’s cheery in the office today (could that be something to do with the leisurely bank holiday weekend just round the corner?). Either way, there’s something about springtime that puts everyone in a good mood.

And now the arrival of yet more brand new Easter gifts to order from GoneDigging in time for the holiday is the icing on the cake! Here are a few of our faves...

5. Personalised Wine & Spirits Gifts Packs, from £27.99

It’s the Dancing on Ice 2012 final this Sunday, 6:50p.m., ITV 1. As if you didn’t know :-)

Last week’s show saw Jennifer Ellison and Jorgie Porter both land in the skate-off after receiving the least votes from the British public. Boo hoo. But actress, Jorgie Porter, got lucky and was saved by the ice panel judges.

Sporting a glistening red ra ra skirt, Jennifer received a score of 24 after her routine to Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and had tears streaming down her face as she left, telling host Phillip Schofield, “I really loved it. I just want to thank everyone for the opportunity.” Aaaaw, bless.

Mother’s Day is only a week and a bit away. Not got anything for her yet? Want to thank Mum for being your pillar of strength and support over the years?

Happily, us thoughtful folks here at GoneDigging have picked out 10 fabtastic Mother’s Day gifts. We think you’ll love ‘em.

Check out our vid (it’s only 2 mins) and get your mum something she’ll remember not just onetime, but for a lifetime for March 18th...

If we were playing Mallet’s Mallet* and we were to say St Patrick’s Day, we bet your first answer would be Ireland and your second Guinness. And yet actually, there’s way more to St Pat’s Day than just pints of the black stuff. Over the next week or so, we’ll be popping up a rather awesome infographic full of fun facts dedicated to Ireland and its national day. But in the meantime, we’re putting on our serious hat and looking into the man himself. Prepare to get deep.

St Patrick was a Romano-Briton born in around 387 in Banna Venta Berniae, which we reckon is the modern-day Ravenglass in Cumbria. At the age of about 16 he was captured by some rather unpleasant Irish raiders and taken to the Emerald Isle as a slave, where he worked as a herdsman.

With St David’s Day just a few days away, GoneDigging thought it’d be nice to take a look at what it’s all about. After all, most of us have heard of it, but how many of us really know anything about the bloke and his association with Wales?

So, sitting comfortably? Good, then we’ll begin…

The feast of St David is a big, old knees-up that falls on the 1st March every year. Apparently the date was chosen in remembrance of David’s death in around 589. Then, much later, the Welsh made it a national day of celebration in the 18th century.

The red carpet. High-profile Hollywood celebs dolled up to the max, mingling during commercial breaks and sipping on champagne. Hundreds of photographers, TV cameras and webcams ready and waiting to capture every starry moment. It’s the moment stars across the globe finally have their work celebrated as the entire world gathers together to recognise there’s no job quite like acting... the Oscars 2012.

Last night’s ceremony saw Meryl Streep pick up the Best Actress award for her role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, while Octavia Spencer got the Oscar for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ and Canadian actor Christopher Plummer became the oldest Oscar winner at 82 for his role in the film Beginners.

Pancake Day’s tomorrow. Yum. GoneDigging has picked out some thrilling fillings, (they really do go beyond lemon and sugar!) and will make your pancakes taste flipping fabulous…

But first, of course, you have to make the pancakes. Forgotten how? Here’s a reminder:

For the pancake mixture:

• 110g/4oz plain flour, sifted

• pinch of salt

• 2 eggs

• 200ml/7fl oz milk mixed with 75ml/3fl oz water

• 50g/2oz butter

Instructions:

• Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl

• Make a well in the center

• Whisk together the milk and eggs in a large jug

• Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, whisking constantly until a smooth batter forms

Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is here. It might seem like a holiday dedicated to commercialism and over-consumption of chocolate hearts, but there’s a whole host of fascinating facts about the holiday that few folks know... here are a few of our favourite cupid-inspired titbits, specially selected by everyone here at GoneDigging Towers... Happy Valentine’s Day!

Fact 1

Valentine’s Day was first celebrated during the Roman times in the middle of February. It was a holiday called Lupercalia to commemorate fertility. A “love lottery” was held whereby young men drew young women’s names from a box to commemorate their rite of passage to the god Lupercus. The chooser and chosen would then be paired for one year. These random pairings often led to marriage.

I want you to click your fingers once every three seconds – click two three, click two three, click two three. Keep doing it for as long as it takes you to read this blog.

Keep clicking.

Every three seconds on the 45th day of our calendar year, a girl’s dreams are shattered.

Keep clicking.

Not because of dirty water or malaria, but because of her other half.

Keep clicking.

He’s not abusive, she’s not in a refuge and their relationship is largely harmonious.

Keep clicking.

Sadly, however, he’s absolutely cack at remembering Valentine’s Day.

Keep clicking.

Every year she hopes he’ll organise in advance. Every year she’s disappointed. This shouldn’t happen. And most importantly, it doesn’t have to happen.

Valentine’s Day is only – let’s see – 23 days away! Not long, really. Dreading the thought of traipsing your hectic high street to find something that could pass as an 'alright' Valentine's gift for your sweetheart? Fear not, because you won’t have to...

Make yourself a cuppa, get comfy and have a gander at this vid to find out what's hot in terms of Valentine's presents.

No battling your way through maddening masses. No car park fees. No traffic. You can do it all online at www.gonedigging.co.uk, from the comfort of your sofa. And don’t worry, this vid isn’t long, (it’s under 4 minutes!)…

Yup, it’s that time again when the new crop of celebs take to the rink in a bid to win the approval of the judging panel, capture the hearts of the nation, and compete for the title as the Dancing on Ice champ.

15 Dancing on Ice contestants 2012 are set to get their skates on in the new series of ITV’s celeb skating show, which hits our TV screens on Sunday 8th January.

Are you ready for another gripping series of Dancing on Ice? ‘Course you are. All of us here at GoneDigging are too.

Just for the record, none of us here are really any good at skating. In fact, the last time I attempted it, I managed to capsize and land rather uncomfortably in the middle of the rink – and yup - right on my coccyx. It was very embarrassing, not to mention very painful.

We haven’t even stuffed the turkey yet and already attention is turning to the New Year and its sales. With everyone keen to bag a bargain, we’re braving the queues and packed department stores to take a gander at Europe’s top five sales destinations...

London

Most of us are pretty familiar with our nation’s capital, especially given its theatre-rich West End, endless tourist attractions and numerous posh restaurants. But it’s also home to some of the most popular January sales in the world, most of which kick off on Boxing Day. Famous department stores like Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols all slash their prices on a massive range of lines, while both High Street fashions and the trendiest boutiques also reduce their prices.

Four days ‘til Christmas... WOOHOO! By now, you’ve probably got the turkey in, hauled in the Christmas tree and bought all your Christmas presents....... right? No? Uh oh.

Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. If you’re anything like me, then you’re probably still ransacking the shops for last-minute secret Santa gifts, stocking fillers and such like. Whoops. I’ll admit. I should’ve been a tad more organised. Never mind.

That said, I’ve got most of my Christmas pressies, only a few more to buy. It’s just the putting-up-the-decorations bit that seems to have been put on the backburner. That’ll be a job for Christmas Eve. Or, at this rate, maybe after Christmas...

There’s a chill in the air, the nights are getting darker by the minute. But, ladies and gents, Christmas is just around the corner. And to celebrate, GoneDigging has put together an exclusive Christmas Playlist to help you get into the festive spirit.

Are you a Christmas Music obsessive-compulsive? Got hundreds, if not thousands, of the same old, same old Christmas songs on your iPod? These may well be tunes you’ve never heard before.

There are over 40 wintery tracks, from Bing Crosby and the Jackson 5 through to Christina Aguilera and Michael Bublé – a fabtastic playlist for you to enjoy in the run up to – and throughout – this festive time of year.

Children In Need. Tonight, Take That frontman and X Factor judge, Gary Barlow, is organising one of the biggest charity concerts in Manchester at the MEN Arena – Children In Need Rocks.

Most of us here at GoneDigging will be tuning into BBC One at 8p.m. to watch the likes of Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Elbow, JLS, Michael Bublé, Snow Patrol – and Gary himself – perform live on stage.

In commemoration of Children In Need, we’re doing our own little bit of fundraising for the charity. But it won’t involve warbling or shaking our booties. No siree. Instead, we’re allowed to buy some of our own personalised pressies at discount prices (for one day only!). So we’ll be able to grab a few bargain Christmas gifts whilst doing our bit for charity.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month... Armistice Day.

This day celebrates the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany at 11a.m., November 1918. After nearly four years of blood, sweat and tears, on this day, the guns of the Western Front fell silent. Armistice essentially brought an end to World War I.

Are you wearing your red poppy? At 11a.m. today, everyone at GoneDigging Towers will be holding a minute’s silence to pay tribute to our war heroes.

To mark this special day, here are a few poems to reflect the lives that were lost throughout World War I. Soldiers, we salute you.

Two things happen in November – Movember and ‘ I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’

And although GoneDigging dig bad ‘taches round office, it’s getting to watch a bunch of celebs living a life less pampered that really revs our engines. We absolutely love it. In fact, we can’t get enough of watching the contestants wriggle and squirm during trials. We also find the camp’s politics more interesting than Westminster. And don’t even get us started on the romances. So in honour of a show that’s properly ‘reem’, we’ve put together a collection of its finest moments, starting with the best of bush tucker …

It’s nearly August– damn how time flies! But don’t fret; the summer isn’t over yet. The weather, as per usual, hasn’t exactly had the air of the Bahamas about it at all, aside from the mini heat wave we had back in June when everyone frazzled up like bacon for a few days.

Aside from June, August is one of the top months for marriage proposals and naturally, we sell a shed load of personalised anniversary gifts so you can celebrate the day you, or a couple you know, tied the ol’ knot.. So have a gander through our gift ideas – we think they’re pretty cool.