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An organization dedicated to the modernization of traditional symbols and icons in Ontario have set their sights on the Trillium which was adopted by the Legislature as Ontario’s official flower in 1937.

The Organization for the Rejuvenation of Emblems in Ontario (OREO) says the Trillium is an outdated symbol which flowers for about a month in spring and is consequently seldom seen by the majority of Ontarians unless they spot it on their Driver’s Licences, Health Cards or other provincial documentation.

“To have a flower that blooms annually as a Provincial symbol is patently ridiculous,” said Beryl Amaranth, chair of OREO. “Ontario needs robust flora to demonstrate the strength, potency and vigor of its people. It should ubiquitous. Its potency and staying power strong and accessible. You shouldn’t have to skulk about in the spring to find it. It’s even illegal to pick one.”

And OREO and Amaranth’s choice for Ontario’s provincial flower? Cannabis sativa. More commonly known as just plain cannabis, or marijuana, weed, dope, pot, grass, ganja, MaryJane just for starters.

Egon Smee, CEO of Flowersareourfriends.com, professed horror at OREO’s suggestion. “It’s a ludicrous idea. The White Trillium is gorgeous. It has three broad leaves, three small green sepals, three petals, and a three-sectioned seedpod. Even its genus name, trillium, refers to this phenomenon.”

“What’s more,” he added angrily, “she should get her facts straight – it is not illegal to pick a trillium. It is only illegal to remove them from government properties like provincial parks. Not that you should pick them – leave them as nature intended for everyone to enjoy.”

“Besides,” said Smee, “would you want a marijuana leaf on your licence or OHIP card? I certainly wouldn’t!”

“But many would,” scoffed Amaranth, “and you would be reminded of Ontario every time you passed a cannabis store or smoked a joint. All year round – not just a couple of weeks in spring. We’ve been canvassing MPPs– it’s a non-partisan issue. We have the votes.”

“We’ll fight it tooth and nail. We’ll picket Queen’s Park. This is just wrong, wrong, wrong.” Said Smee.

“It’s the right emblem for Ontario. It’s both strong and relaxed. It’s perfect. He’s just blowing smoke,” laughed the fictitious Amaranth, “and as it’s April 1st, I’m blowing smoke too.”

Happy April Fool’s Day readers. Here’s something true about Ontario’s Trillium logo we thought you might enjoy.

A stylized version of the trillium has been the Ontario government’s official logo since 1964, when it was first created by the Conservative government of John Robarts.

An updated version was designed by Ernst Barenscher at Norman B. Hathaway Associates in 1972, at the request of the Conservative government of Bill Davis.
Over the next 24 years, the logo pretty much remained the same. Then, in 2006, the Liberal government of Dalton McGuinty completely revamped the logo.

The new logo quickly became known as the “three men in a hot tub” logo — once you see it, you can’t unsee it — and was widely criticized both for its design and cost.

In 2019, the Conservative government of Doug Ford restored the logo to its original design with some variations.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Richmond is a lovely town on the southwestern outskirts of London ¬– known for its many parks and open spaces, riverside bona fides, celebrity residents (including Mick Jagger), and now “Ted Lasso.”

If you haven’t joined the cult – fan club might be a more fitting term – or maybe living under a rock (though not in Richmond), Ted Lasso is a TV show sensation on Disney+, set in the London borough.

Ostensibly about a fictional British soccer team, Richmond FC, that imports an American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) who knows nothing about the sport, it is warm, funny, insightful into both British and Brit “football” culture, and equally appealing to viewers who care little about the latter (including my wife, who after being harassed into watching, went on to binge watch the two full seasons in a matter of days.)

So, watch the show.

But to our point, for those who have watched, they’ll know that, outside of the football stadium, perhaps the most prominent setting in the show is the local pub – reflecting the reality that British pub culture and football are inextricably linked.

The establishment in question is called The Crown and Anchor in the show, which is a fictional venue based on a real pub – The Prince’s Head. (The hilarious matronly, no-nonsense manager Mae is one of the unsung stars of the show).

Located across from Richmond Green, just a short walk from rail and tube stations, the pub is now the site of pilgrimages from fans (like an industry colleague and Lasso devotee I know who was planning a visit this month).

If you go, know that the Prince’s Head marquee was covered by Crown and Anchor only for filming; and like Cheers in Boston, the interior doesn’t necessarily match the TV version.

Visitors will also note real street scenes from the show, including Paved Court, where Ted lives, and the signature red phone box; plus, the general atmosphere of charming Richmond. (It should be noted that Twickenham also doubles as the setting for Richmond in the show; also, there is no actual football stadium to see in Richmond).

As for the pub, the real Prince’s Head dates to 1705 when it was known as The Duke of Ormonde’s Head, later the Duke’s Head (after Ormonde was disgraced), and then The Prince’s Head since 1778. The pub briefly lost its license around 1910 for allowing women in – an offence that thankfully is no longer in effect. (With such a history, it is perhaps unsurprising to learn that the pub doesn’t even allude to its current star status on its web site).

A “Fullers” pub, the Head features Fullers ales, but also craft lagers and seasonal ales, ciders, spirits, exclusive wines, and artisan soft drinks. Even tea, which show fans will recall that Ted would never order.

The kitchen serves familiar pub fare like pies, fish and chips, and burgers, but also more varied and elegant fare, like steak and wild game faggots. Like many pubs in Britain, Sunday means roasts.

Patrons will find sports (rugby, but apparently and surprisingly not football) on TV and there’s live music and an open mic night.

Located at 28 The Green, Richmond, opening hours are noon to 11 p.m. (10:30 on Sundays). Or subject to streaming any time!

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News