A war mascot monkey who died 70 years ago in a suspected booze-fuelled army lockdown in neutral Ireland has been immortalised.
A statue of Tojo the monkey was erected in Clonakilty, west Cork, where the monkey and a US Air Force crew made an emergency landing in a war plane in 1943. A plaque marking the site at White’s Marsh was also unveiled, as the anniversary of the local legend was celebrated.
Tojo was plied with food and drink – alien to a monkey diet – as the locals welcomed him and the crew into the community.
Some say his body couldn’t handle the cold in Ireland, others say it was the food. But others have said he was given quite a bit to drink. (AP)
An Easter egg that lasted 45 years
Iron-willed Bridget Langan has been resisting the temptation to eat her Easter egg for 45 years.
She was given it in 1968 by her husband, Tony, who was then her boyfriend. The Londonderry couple now bring it out every Easter. Tony said: “I bought her two eggs. The eggs were stolen, so I said to my wife jokingly. ‘You have eaten the egg’.”
He then bought her a third egg, which she kept to prove she had not eaten the others. He added: “I don’t know how my wife resisted.” (PA)
Fake, decorative sheep go green
Six green plastic sheep on a West Sussex roundabout have been put behind bright yellow safety barriers to stop drivers thinking they are real.
The fake flock was installed at the junction on the A283 in Shoreham at the end of November to reflect the South Downs National Park status. West Sussex County Council said the sheep had also been painted green to stop drivers thinking they were real.
A spokesman for West Sussex County Council said: “They are bright green so they are not mistaken for the real thing. However, because some motorists have expressed concerns that the sheep are real, temporary roadwork barriers were placed around them two weeks ago.” (AP)
Beer tastes very much like pizza
A beer that tastes of pizza has been invented by a couple who were looking for an unusual entry in a home-brewing competition.
Tom and Anthea Seafurth added basil, oregano, garlic, tomatoes and pizza crust to their ale. The American pair, from Illinois, have called it Mama Mia Pizza Beer.
Mr Seafurth, 49, said: “The beer was originally intended for us to use as a marinade. When it tasted so good we figured why not use it to cook with and to pair with food.” (PA)
Cyclist forced to abandon epic ride
A British cyclist has been forced to abandon an attempt to set a new record for the quickest 1,700-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again owing to severe weather and other difficulties.
Chris ‘Hoppo’ Hopkinson had hoped to better the current time for the so-called Lejogle of five days, 21 hours and eight minutes, set in 2010.
But strong winds and cold temperatures sabotaged his plans. He suffered temporary loss of sight in one eye, the breakdown of a support car, stomach problems and other difficulties.
The 45-year-old music teacher from Richmond, North Yorkshire had originally expected to arrive back at Land’s End yesterday but called the record-breaking attempt off on Friday night at John O’Groats. (PA)